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Finishing your UK degree? Apply for the Graduate visa by 31 December to get 2 years

The Graduate visa lets you stay in the UK to work or look for work after you successfully complete an eligible course. GOV.UK says it lasts 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, but 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. PhD and other doctoral graduates get 3 years.

Reviewed 08/11/2026 · Applies to: UK-wide

Who this helps

International students in the UK on a Student visa who are finishing, or have just finished, a degree or other eligible course.

What to do

  1. Check you are eligible: you must be in the UK on a Student visa (or Tier 4 (General) student visa), have studied an eligible course for the minimum period, and your university or college must have reported to the Home Office that you completed it successfully.
  2. Ask your university when it will report your successful completion. You can apply once it has been reported; you do not need to wait for your graduation ceremony.
  3. Apply before your Student visa expires.
  4. If you can, apply on or before 31 December 2026 to get a 2-year visa. Applications made on or after 1 January 2027 get 18 months (doctoral graduates get 3 years).
  5. Budget for the costs: the application fee is £937, plus the immigration health surcharge, usually £1,035 for each year of the visa.
  6. After applying, do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. A decision usually comes within 8 weeks and you can stay in the UK while you wait.
  7. Plan your next step early: you cannot extend a Graduate visa, but you may be able to switch to another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa.

Before you act

  • Fees, surcharge and visa lengths are as shown on GOV.UK in November 2026 and can change; check the official pages before you apply.
  • The visa length depends on the date you apply, not the date you graduate.
  • This is general information, not legal advice. If your situation is complicated, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or your university's international student advice team.

Deadline: 01/01/2027, 00:00:00 (UK time)

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

Graduate visa guidance on GOV.UK ↗

Destination: www.gov.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.