Tuesday, October 21, 2025
No menu items!
No menu items!
HomeUK VisasUK to Reduce Post-Study Work Visa Duration for International Students to 18...

UK to Reduce Post-Study Work Visa Duration for International Students to 18 Months Starting 2027


GH DATA BUNDLE

UK to Reduce Post-Study Work Visa Duration for International Students to 18 Months Starting 2027

The UK is set to shorten the Graduate visa period for international students to 18 months, effective January 2027. This significant change aims to reshape post-study opportunities while imposing higher financial requirements. As the government tightens immigration policies, prospective students must adapt their plans accordingly.

Changes to the Graduate Visa

Beginning January 1, 2027, international students will have a reduced timeframe to remain in the UK after graduation. The Home Office has confirmed that the post-study work period will drop from two years to 18 months for most foreign graduates. However, students who apply before December 31, 2026, will retain the full two-year duration.

PhD graduates will still enjoy a three-year post-study stay. Nevertheless, the Home Office does not permit extensions on the Graduate visa. After 18 months, graduates must either depart the UK or transition to a different visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa.

Reasons Behind the Changes

The Home Office cites data indicating that many international graduates fail to secure skilled employment during their post-study work period. By tightening visa regulations, the government aims to align the Graduate visa more closely with its intended purpose. This move ensures that qualified students can transition into skilled jobs rather than remain in the UK without employment.

Increased Financial Requirements

Starting from the 2025–2026 academic year, international students must demonstrate higher financial resources to qualify for a UK student visa. Here are the current requirements:

  • In London: £1,483 per month for up to 9 months
  • Outside London: £1,136 per month for up to 9 months

Students must maintain these funds for a minimum of 28 consecutive days, with the end date falling within 31 days of their visa application. This increase in financial criteria necessitates careful planning for potential students.

Rising Costs of Studying in the UK

The UK government has also introduced a levy on university income from international students. Universities are expected to pass on these costs through increased tuition fees. For the 2025/26 academic year, undergraduate tuition has already risen by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535.

This change adds to the overall cost of living, making the UK one of the more expensive options for international students seeking higher education.

Stricter English Language Requirements

The government plans to enforce stricter English language standards for those applying for study, work, or settlement visas. Though specifics are still being finalized, it is evident that international students will face tougher language proficiency requirements.

Shifting Trends in Visa Applications

Following the UK’s ban on most international students bringing dependents in January 2024, visa applications experienced a significant decline. However, recent data from the Home Office indicates a recovery. The first half of 2025 saw an 18% increase in total study visas compared to the previous year.

This rebound suggests that, despite escalating costs and stricter regulations, the UK remains a premier destination for students seeking high-quality education and promising career opportunities.

Conclusion

From 2027 onward, graduates will need to navigate their UK experience more strategically. With a reduced post-study work period, heightened financial demands, and stricter regulations, securing a job promptly after graduation or transitioning to a Skilled Worker visa is more critical than ever. Aspiring students must prepare thoroughly to thrive in this evolving landscape.

Follow NewsNowGh to stay updated on the latest information regarding work permits, visas, and visa-sponsored employment.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular

Recent Comments