The short answer is: yes and no — whether you’re already a student in the UK matters for how this change applies. Here’s a breakdown of what we do know so far about the cut in the post-study stay (Graduate Route) from 2 years to 18 months and how it applies to current students.
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What is changing
- The UK government announced that from 1 January 2027, the Graduate Route (which allows international students who complete a UK-course to stay and work without sponsorship) will be reduced from a 2-year stay to an 18-month stay for most Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates. The Financial Express+3monitor.icef.com+3https://www.educations.com+3
- For PhD graduates, the current stay of 3 years is expected to remain for now. monitor.icef.com+1
- The change is part of a wider immigration white paper aimed at reducing net migration and tightening post-study work rights. DavidsonMorris | Solicitors+1
⚠️Who it applies to / timing
- The key point: the effective date is important. The change applies to applications on or after 1 January 2027. monitor.icef.com+1
- If you apply for the Graduate Route before that date (i.e. before 1 Jan 2027), you’re expected to be eligible for the current 2-year stay. Some sources say:“A Graduate visa lasts for 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026 and for 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027.” The Financial Express+1
What if you’re already a student in the UK
If you’re already studying in the UK on a Student visa, the implications are:
- If you finish your eligible course and apply for the Graduate Route before 1 January 2027 → you should get the 2-year post-study stay.
- If you finish your course (or apply for the Graduate Route) on or after 1 January 2027 → you’ll likely be subject to the 18-month rule.
- If you’re mid-course (e.g. you’re currently studying, will graduate in 2026 or later) you need to check whether your graduation and application will fall into “before 2027” or “on/after 2027”. Some courses finishing late 2026 may still allow the 2 years; later ones may not. Times Higher Education (THE)+1
✔️ What you should do
- Check when your course ends and when you can apply for the Graduate Route. If your course ends in 2026 and you apply before 1 Jan 2027 → you should be fine under the old rule.
- Keep an eye on the official immigration rules/changes because until the full regulations are published, there may be detailed transitional provisions. Many commentary notes that the exact “Statement of Changes” is still awaited. Immigration and Migration
- If your course ends after that date (or you’ll apply after 1 Jan 2027), plan for the 18-month period: think ahead about how to switch to a Skilled Worker visa (or another route) before that stay ends.