UK Graduate visa 2025 — PSW: 2 Years or 18 Months?
The UK has announced a change to the Graduate (Post-Study Work / PSW) route: applications made on or before 31 December 2026 will generally receive the historic 2-year post-study permission for bachelor’s and master’s graduates, whereas applications from 1 January 2027 onward will, in most cases, be granted 18 months. PhD and equivalent doctoral graduates remain eligible for 3 years under the Graduate route. This article explains the change, who it affects, key dates, practical steps, and likely implications.
What changed
The Graduate (PSW) route—previously issuing 2 years of leave for most undergraduate and master’s graduates—will be shortened to 18 months for applications submitted from 1 January 2027.
Applications submitted on or before 31 December 2026 should be processed under the earlier expectation of a 2-year duration.
Doctoral graduates (PhD or equivalent) will continue to receive 3 years under the Graduate route.
Who is affected
- International students finishing bachelor’s or master’s programmes in the UK whose Graduate visa applications are filed on or after 1 January 2027 will most likely receive 18 months of leave.
- Students whose applications are filed on or before 31 December 2026 are expected to retain the 2-year grant.
- PhD/doctoral graduates are unaffected by the 18-month change and should continue to receive 3 years.
Reasons and policy context
The change forms part of a broader immigration reform agenda intended to tighten certain post-study permissions and align graduate immigration with wider labour market and migration goals. Policymakers have framed the change as a way to better manage routes from study into work while balancing immigration objectives. This update sits alongside other regulatory adjustments affecting students and sponsors.
Key dates (clear and exact)
On or before 31 December 2026 — Apply for a Graduate visa: generally eligible for 2 years (bachelor’s/master’s).
From 1 January 2027 — Apply for a Graduate visa: in most cases eligible for 18 months (bachelor’s/master’s).
PhD/equivalent graduates — 3 years remains standard (no reduction announced).
Practical advice — what you should do
Check your timings: If you want the 2-year Graduate permission and can submit before 31 December 2026, prioritize completing your application before that date.
Document everything: Keep clear records of your application submission date and any receipt or acknowledgement from UKVI. These dates will be important if transitional rules are referenced.
Plan for a shorter window: If you will likely apply after 1 January 2027, plan job search and visa-switch strategies earlier—prepare CVs, network, and secure job offers quickly to transition to routes like the Skilled Worker visa.
Consider alternate routes: Research employer-sponsored routes and other long-term options (Skilled Worker, Global Talent, etc.) and understand their sponsorship requirements.
Speak to your university: International student advisers and your sponsor university can provide guidance on timings, documents and sponsor confirmations.
Seek professional advice if needed: For complex situations, consult a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor.
Likely implications
Likely implications
Shorter post-study work period may make it harder for some graduates to find qualifying skilled employment before needing to switch visas.
Recruitment and decision-making by international students may shift—some students could choose alternative destinations or accelerate job search efforts.
Higher pressure on universities and careers services to support international graduates into employment within a tighter timeframe.
Conclusion
The UK’s update to the Graduate (PSW) route shortens the post-study permission for most bachelor’s and master’s graduates from 2 years to 18 months for applications submitted from 1 January 2027, while applications made on or before 31 December 2026 are expected to remain under the 2-year framework. Doctoral graduates continue to receive 3 years. International students should check their application timing, keep records, and plan transition strategies early to avoid being caught by a reduced time window for work search and visa switching.