A two-tier Graduate visa takes shape

International graduates of some UK universities will keep a two-year Graduate visa under plans in the 2026 Budget, published on 28 October 2026. The Budget states the visa will last two years for graduates of high-compliance universities where there are strong labour market outcomes. Graduates of other institutions will move to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027, under changes already set out before the Budget. Doctoral graduates keep a three-year period.

What is confirmed and what is not

The announcement is a partial reversal of the planned cut from two years to 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates. However, the government has not yet published the list of qualifying universities or explained how compliance and employment outcomes will be measured. Commentators have noted that the criteria could produce a two-tier system, with post-study work rights depending on where a student studied. The same Budget package also widens the separate High Potential Individual visa from graduates of the world's top 80 institutions to the top 150, with a proportional rise in its cap.

Check the official page before relying on the change

This is a Budget announcement, not yet a change to the Immigration Rules, so students and graduates should not treat the two-year retention as guaranteed until the Home Office publishes the detailed rules. The current GOV.UK Graduate visa page still shows the existing position: two years for applications on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months for applications on or after 1 January 2027, and three years for PhD graduates, with no extension available. Immigration rules change frequently — always check the official GOV.UK page before applying or making plans. This article is general news reporting, not personal immigration advice.

Sources: GOV.UK Graduate visa; Times Higher Education; Research Professional News; techUK.