The Graduate route is changing: plan your UK job search around it
From 1 January 2027, new Graduate visas for bachelor's and master's graduates last 18 months instead of 2 years. Here is how to plan around it.
Facts in this guide were checked against official sources on 7 October 2026. Rules change, so always confirm the current position on GOV.UK.
What is changing
The Graduate route lets eligible students stay in the UK to work, or look for work, after completing an eligible course. GOV.UK states that a Graduate visa for a bachelor's or master's degree lasts 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. Graduates of a PhD or other doctoral qualification keep 3 years.
Graduate route date checker
Based on GOV.UK, checked on 7 October 2026. This is not immigration advice.
Choose a date to see the visa length.
| Qualification | Apply on or before 31 December 2026 | Apply on or after 1 January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's or master's | 2 years | 18 months |
| PhD or doctoral | 3 years | 3 years |
Eligibility depends on your circumstances. Confirm on GOV.UK and seek qualified immigration advice where you need it.
What stays the same
You do not need a job offer to apply, and an employer does not need to sponsor you. GOV.UK says the visa lets you work in most jobs and look for work. Eligibility still depends on your current visa, your course and your education provider confirming to the Home Office that you have successfully completed it. Check the official page for the full requirements and any updates.
Why the length matters for planning
Eighteen months passes quickly once recruitment cycles are included. Some larger graduate programmes recruit many months before the start date, and decisions can take several weeks. Working back from your expected visa end date helps you decide when to start preparing, instead of discovering a deadline when it is already close.
Be clear about permission to work later
If you hope to stay in the UK after your Graduate visa, you will usually need a different route. The Skilled Worker visa, for example, needs a job with an employer that holds a sponsor licence and meets the route's requirements. A vacancy that does not mention sponsorship may not offer it. Check the employer's stated position and the official guidance for your circumstances before relying on a role.
A practical plan for the time you have
Note your expected course end date and when you intend to apply for the Graduate visa. Choose the kinds of roles you want to explore first. Prepare a CV with clear, accurate evidence, including experience gained outside the UK, and explain unfamiliar qualifications or organisations where it helps. Keep a record of applications and closing dates so your plan does not depend on memory.
Where Student Path Pro fits
Student Path Pro is a career preparation platform, not an immigration adviser. It can help you turn a goal into a plan, compare roles with your CV evidence and keep applications organised. For decisions about your visa, use GOV.UK and seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser where you need it.