Latest UK Graduate visa (PSW) changes: Everything you need to know

The UK’s Graduate visa, also known as the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, is changing soon. If you’re studying in the UK or planning to, this guide will help you understand what the visa is, what the new rules mean, and what you should do next.

The key change in Graduate from 2027

The big change is in how long the visa lasts.

Until now, most graduates have been able to stay for:

2 years if they completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree
3 years if they completed a PhD or doctoral qualification

From 1 January 2027, this will change:

If you apply graduate visa on or after 1 January 2027, you will only get 18 months (1.5 years), unless you have a PhD or doctoral degree, which still gets 3 years.

If you submit your Graduate visa application before 1 January 2027, you will get 2 years (if eligible).
If you submit it on or after 1 January 2027, you will get 18 months.

How long you can stay
• Apply on or before 31 December 2026: 2 years (or 3 years for PhD).
• Apply on or after 1 January 2027: 18 months (or 3 years for PhD).
• The visa starts on the day your application is approved.

How to apply

1. Wait for your university to confirm to the Home Office that you’ve completed your course. You don’t need to wait for graduation day.
2. Apply online before your Student visa expires.
3. Pay the fees:
• £880 application fee
• £1,035 per year for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
4. Prove your identity and submit your documents online.
5. Most people get a decision within 8 weeks, and you can stay in the UK while waiting.

What you can do with a Graduate visa:

• Work full time in almost any job
• Be self-employed
• Volunteer for charities or public organisations
• Travel in and out of the UK freely
• Live with your eligible partner or children if they already have permission as dependants

You cannot:

• Claim public benefits or the State Pension
• Work as a professional athlete
• Extend the Graduate visa beyond its time limit

If you want to stay longer after your Graduate visa ends, you’ll need to switch to another route like the Skilled Worker visa.