UK Graduate Visa
Post-study work with no sponsor needed. The length drops from 2 years to 18 months on 1 January 2027.
Key facts
Last checked: 6 November 2026- Official name
- Graduate visa
- Length — applications up to 31 Dec 2026
- 2 years
- Length — from 1 Jan 2027
- 18 months
- Doctorate holders
- 3 years
- Sponsor
- Not required
- Precondition
- Successful completion of a course with a licensed UK sponsor
The Graduate visa lets students who complete a UK course work without a sponsor, which makes it a key part of study planning.
The length is changing
Per gov.uk, applications made on or before 31 December 2026 get 2 years; applications made on or after 1 January 2027 get 18 months. Doctorate holders keep 3 years.
Next step
The Graduate visa cannot be extended and does not count towards settlement, so plan a switch to Skilled Worker or Global Talent before it expires.
Frequently asked questions
Two years for applications made on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months from 1 January 2027. Doctorate holders keep three years.
No. It cannot be extended and does not count towards settlement, so plan a switch before it expires.
Official sources
Fees and rules can be changed by the Home Office at any time. We confirm the current figures from these pages before every application.
Visa decisions rest entirely with the consulate; no consultancy can guarantee an outcome.