Is the UK Graduate
Visa Ending?
The UK Graduate visa has not been abolished, but it was restricted to approximately 18 months in 2025 and is under ongoing government review. Here's what changed, what it means for you, and what to do next.
Still active — but significantly restricted
The Graduate visa has not been abolished as of early 2026, but the post-study work period has been reduced and the route is under continuous review. Do not rely on it as a long-term stay strategy.
Timeline of Changes
Before 2025
Graduate visa up to 3 years
May 2025
Immigration White Paper — Government proposes restricting route
Oct 2025
Statement of Changes — Graduate route amendments introduced
Now (2026)
~18 months for most graduates, ongoing review
Future
Further restrictions possible — check GOV.UK regularly
What Changed and When
The UK Graduate visa — which lets international graduates stay in the UK to work after completing a degree — has been under sustained political scrutiny since 2023. The 2025 Immigration White Paper signalled the government's intent to significantly restrict post-study work rights to manage net migration.
In October 2025, a Statement of Changes introduced formal amendments to the Graduate route. Reports widely indicated a move toward an ~18-month period for most graduates, down from the previous 2–3 years depending on degree level.
Further tightening is expected. The government has framed the Graduate route as too broad and has proposed tying it more closely to graduate-level employment from the outset.
Your Options as a Graduate Visa Holder
Switch to a Skilled Worker visa
The most common and stable route. You need a job offer from a licensed sponsor at a qualifying salary (£33,360+ as a new entrant from July 2025). Start your job search early — before your Graduate visa is close to expiring.
Transition guide →Find a sponsor who can switch you in-role
Some employers will hire you on the Graduate visa and then sponsor you to switch to Skilled Worker once you have proven yourself. Ask about this upfront in the hiring process.
Browse sponsoring employers →Target graduate schemes with built-in sponsorship
Many large employers in tech, finance, and consulting run structured graduate schemes that include Skilled Worker sponsorship as part of the offer. These are your most secure path.
Search graduate roles →Find employers who will sponsor your switch
Browse 90,000+ licensed UK sponsors — filter by role, salary, and location to find companies that can take you from Graduate to Skilled Worker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources: GOV.UK Graduate visa guidance, Home Office Statement of Changes (October 2025). This page is kept up to date. Not legal advice.