The UK Government has confirmed that the Graduate Route, the post\u2011study work visa available to international students, will be updated from two years to 18 months for most applicants from 1 January 2027. For Indian students completing bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees in the UK, this means the post\u2011study work period will be slightly shorter. PhD and doctoral graduates will continue to receive a three\u2011year post\u2011study work period.<\/p>\n
Importantly, the Graduate Route itself is not being removed<\/strong>. It remains one of the most popular pathways for Indian graduates to stay in the UK, gain professional experience, and explore employment opportunities without employer sponsorship.<\/p>\n Students who submit their Graduate Route application before 1 January 2027<\/strong> will continue to receive the current two\u2011year visa. Applications submitted on or after this date will receive 18 months. This update may affect Indian students beginning programmes in 2025 and 2026, especially undergraduates<\/a> and those on longer postgraduate courses<\/a>, depending on their course duration and graduation timelines.<\/p>\n