From 1 January 2027, the Home Office will reduce the post‑study work period from two years to 18 months, following legislation introduced to Parliament on 14 October and a policy signalled in an immigration white paper earlier this year. Ministers say the change is intended to encourage quicker progression into skilled roles; sector bodies argue it could dampen the UK’s competitiveness just as demand begins to recover after earlier rule changes. Under the current Graduate route, the UK graduate visa lets eligible degree‑holders work in any role with minimal restrictions until the new rules take effect.
What is changing
- Start date: 1 January 2027 (as confirmed by the Home Office).
- Duration: maximum stay on the Graduate route will reduce from two years to 18 months.
- Rationale: the government says data shows many did not move into graduate‑level work as intended.
What was considered but not adopted: requiring a graduate‑level job to qualify for the route.
Related Policy Moves:
- Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) for sponsoring employers to rise by 32%, with revenue earmarked for UK workforce training.
- High Potential Individual (HPI) route: planned expansion to graduates from the top 100 international universities; government aim to double arrivals from 2,000 to 4,000, with an annual cap of 8,000 applications.
Who is affected by the UK graduate visa change?
- International students who plan to apply for the Graduate route from 2027 onward.
- UK universities that rely on post‑study work rights as part of their value proposition to international applicants.
- Employers hiring international graduates into early‑career roles, who may need to offer sponsorship sooner due to the shorter unsponsored window.
What Stays the Same for Now
- Current rules remain in force until the change takes effect. See official guidance on the Graduate route for eligibility, fees, conditions, and how to apply: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa
- Typical conditions today include permission to work in most jobs (not as a professional sportsperson), undertake further study that does not require Student sponsorship, and switch into eligible work routes (for example, Skilled Worker) if requirements are met.
- Transitional arrangements for 2027 have not yet been published; check GOV.UK for updates as legislation and guidance are finalized.
How employers should prepare for the UK graduate visa shift
- Plan earlier sponsorship decisions for graduate intakes so eligible roles move to Skilled Worker status within the 18‑month window.
- Budget for the 32% ISC increase and review which entities in your group qualify for small/charitable rates or exemptions.
- Audit job descriptions, salaries, and SOC codes against Skilled Worker requirements. Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
- Align graduate programme timelines, probation periods, and internal approvals with visa switching points.
Other immigration routes touched by the announcement
- High Potential Individual (HPI): the government intends to broaden eligibility to graduates from the top 100 global universities and raise the annual ceiling to 8,000 applications, targeting 4,000 entrants per year. Current HPI guidance and eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa
- Skilled Worker: remains the main long‑term work route for those moving into eligible roles. Employers must hold a sponsor licence. Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers and https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
FAQs
Does this affect current UK graduate visa holders?
The government says the shortened 18‑month limit will apply from 1 January 2027. Until then, current rules apply. Look out for transitional guidance on GOV.UK once the legislation is finalized.
Will I need a graduate‑level job offer to access the post‑study route?
No. Although ministers considered this, they decided to shorten the stay by six months instead. There is still no job type or salary threshold for the Graduate route itself, but switching to Skilled Worker has role and salary requirements.
What is the Immigration Skills Charge and who pays it?
The ISC is a levy paid by licensed sponsors when assigning certain Certificates of Sponsorship. The government plans a 32% increase; employers should check current rates, exemptions, and how to pay.
How long can I stay on the HPI route?
Under current rules, most HPI visas are granted for two years, or three years if you hold a PhD or other doctoral qualification. Check eligibility and conditions: https://www.gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa
Planning your next steps after the UK graduate visa
- Students: map your expected graduation date to the 2027 change and start exploring Skilled Worker pathways early with your careers team.
- Universities: strengthen employer engagement and sponsorship education for final‑year students.
- Employers: set internal checkpoints to offer sponsorship earlier, and ensure HR is ready for the ISC uplift and compliance duties.
Note: This article consolidates official resources for convenience. Always refer to GOV.UK for the latest legal position and any transitional provisions
