UK Graduate Visas Extended Only for Certain Universities

According to the UK government's Autumn Budget announced on October 28, 2026, post-study work visas will be extended to two years starting January 2027; however, this right will only apply to higher education institutions delivering strong labor market outcomes.

According to the decision announced within the scope of the UK government's Autumn Budget 2026, post-study work visas will be increased to two years starting from January 2027, but this practice will be granted only to certain institutions. This decision serves as a partial reversal of the May 2025 decision to reduce the visa duration allowing graduates to stay and work in the country after their education from two years to 18 months. The aforementioned 18-month change was scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. It was stated that visas will continue to last three years for graduates holding PhDs or similar academic degrees. Those wishing to stay in the country beyond the visa period will need to transition to a different visa type, such as the 'Skilled Worker' visa.

The government argues that the new measure is necessary to ensure the immigration system supports a dynamic labor market. However, the Home Office and the Department for Education did not provide an explanation on how strong labor market outcomes will be precisely measured. Conversely, in line with efforts to attract top global graduates to the country, the government also announced that the 'high potential individual' visa route has been expanded to cover the top 150 global institutions.

Universities UK Chief Executive Vivienne Stern MBE stated that the expansion of the visa policy is a welcome recognition that international students benefit not only universities, but also communities and businesses across the country. Russell Group Head of Strategic Policy Dr. Hollie Chandler expressed that abandoning the planned reduction in visa duration for highly compliant universities will contribute to the country's reputation as a global education hub.

On the other hand, National Union of Students UK President Favour Samuel argued that applying the measure to only certain universities will increase confusion and that the government is sacrificing its international reputation. Higher Education Policy Institute Director Nick Hillman described the rule change as a 'mini U-turn', stating that it does not make sense to tie visa durations to graduate employment rates in an area where international student employment data is very limited.