How long is the UK Graduate visa?
The length of the Graduate visa after a bachelor's, master's or PhD, the change on 1 January 2027, what it costs, and why it cannot be extended.
Reviewed 28 September 2026 · 1 min read
Short answer: Two years after a bachelor's or master's and three years after a PhD if you apply before 1 January 2027. From 1 January 2027 it is 18 months after a bachelor's or master's; PhD graduates keep three years. It cannot be extended, so most people who stay switch to a Skilled Worker visa before it ends.
Length by application date
| Applying | Bachelor's or master's | PhD |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1 January 2027 | 2 years | 3 years |
| From 1 January 2027 | 18 months | 3 years |
If your course finishes in 2026, applying before the change keeps the two-year period.
What it costs
- Application fee: £880
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year (the general rate, not the student rate), paid upfront for the full length
The one-off rule
The Graduate visa cannot be extended, and time on it does not count towards settlement. Time on a Skilled Worker visa does, which is why the usual path is Graduate visa first, then a switch to a sponsored job before it expires. The Graduate visa guide has the timing checklist.
Sources
- https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/restoring-control-over-the-immigration-system-white-paper
General information, not regulated immigration advice. Rules change; check the source before you act, and speak to an IAA-registered adviser about your case.