UK to shorten post-study work visas for most foreign graduates from 2027

The UK will retain the two-year Graduate visa for graduates of universities with strong immigration compliance records and employment outcomes. From January 1, 2027, other bachelor’s and master’s graduates will receive 18 months, while doctoral graduates will remain eligible for three years. The government has yet to publish the list of qualifying universities or explain how they will be assessed. Nigeria was the UK’s third-largest source of sponsored international students in 2026, with 26,060 study visas, and Nigerian nationals received 20,604 Graduate route approvals.