The quick answer
Under the published Graduate rules, eligible non-doctoral applications made on or after 1 January 2027 receive 18 months. Eligible applications before that date receive two years, while eligible PhD or other doctoral graduates receive three years. The Graduate application date matters, not simply when you start your course.
Published UK Graduate route durations: check eligibility as well as dates
| What to compare | What to record or ask |
|---|---|
| Eligible non-doctoral application before 1 January 2027 | Two years under the published rules. |
| Eligible non-doctoral application on or after 1 January 2027 | 18 months under the published rules. |
| Eligible PhD or other doctoral qualification | Three years under the published rules. |
| Your own application | Confirm successful completion, route eligibility, current permission, application location and timing. |
When does the UK Graduate visa change to 18 months?
The published Graduate rules provide 18 months for eligible non-doctoral applications made on or after 1 January 2027. The change is tied to the Graduate application date, not simply the date you begin a course. Check the current rules before relying on a projected timeline.
What is the duration for eligible doctoral graduates?
The published change retains three years for eligible PhD or other doctoral graduates. Check the qualification actually completed and the requirements of the route. Starting a course with a different intended award does not determine the permission available after completion.
What eligibility and timing should students check?
Check qualifying study, successful completion reporting, current permission and where and when you can apply. A university offer or completed degree alone is not an automatic grant of Graduate permission. Keep application requirements and charges in your planning.
How should the Graduate route affect your study decision?
Use university career resources and develop relevant skills while studying. A permission period does not guarantee employment or a later work route. Compare the educational value and full cost of the course without relying on a guaranteed job or settlement outcome.
Why does your course start date not settle the answer?
Your intended intake is only one part of the timeline. Course length, successful completion and the date of a later Graduate application also matter. Work backwards from actual programme dates rather than assuming that every student starting in a particular year receives the same period. Recheck the rules before making immigration or travel decisions.
Questions to resolve before choosing a UK course
- What is the expected course completion date, and when might I be eligible to apply?
- Does the qualification meet the Graduate route requirements?
- What reporting and application steps must be completed before my current permission expires?
- Would I still choose the course for its educational value without a guaranteed job outcome?
Use these points to prepare your questions. Keep passport, banking and other sensitive documents out of the website enquiry form.
Keep your next step connected.
Explore the detailed guides and services relevant to this topic, then confirm the requirements for your programme, route and application date.
Prepared by Ratnas Overseas for student planning. Official provider or authority guidance was reviewed on 18 October 2026. Sources reviewed: GOV.UK — immigration rules appendix graduate. Requirements and decisions depend on your circumstances. About our counselling approach.
