It’s pretty sure that all students who are planning for their abroad education in the UK will be waiting for that big update regarding the UK White Paper Proposal, especially about the stay back. The big question here is whether it will turn fruitful for the students, allowing a stay back for 2 years, or the future applicants might only get a period of 18 months after graduation. However, this graduate route visa doesn’t affect the quality of education and other exceptional facilities provided for international students, and as a result, the number of students going to the UK doesn’t fall.
What are the New Updates Awaiting International Students?
The stay-back period after completing a course has been reduced to 18 months, as part of the Immigration White Paper proposal released in May 2025. To learn more about this White Paper, visit here. This shortened stay-back period under the Graduate Route will come into effect on January 1, 2027. Additionally, if you want to stay in the UK after the stay-back period, extending the Graduate Route visa won’t be possible, but switching to a Skilled Worker visa is the only option. To begin your education in the latest intake, contact the best UK visa consultants in Kochi and apply for your desired course.
Conditions:
- Students who apply for the graduate route on or after January 01, 2027, will be open to stay in the UK for a duration of 18 months.
- Students who apply on or before December 31, 2026, will be open for a period of 2 years to stay in the UK after course completion.
- If you hold a PhD or another doctoral degree, your visa will be valid for 3 years.
- Your visa period will begin on the date your application is approved.
Who will be eligible to apply?
You can apply for a Graduate visa if all of the following conditions apply to you:
- You are currently in the UK.
- Your present visa is either a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
- You completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or another qualifying course for the required minimum duration using your Student or Tier 4 (General) visa.
- Your educational institution (like your university or college) has officially informed the Home Office that you’ve successfully finished your course.
For online application – https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa/apply
If you’re uncertain whether your educational provider has notified the Home Office about your course completion, you can check with them directly. To check your eligibility to apply, connect with Guidance Plus, the most experienced UK student visa agency in Kochi, Kerala.
Cost of Applying
When you’re applying for a Graduate visa, you’ll need to:
- pay an application fee of £880.
- pay a healthcare surcharge – this is typically £1,035 for every year you plan to be in the UK.
You’ll find out the exact amount you need to pay when you submit your application.
Healthcare Surcharge Details
If you qualify for a Graduate visa, the duration options are as follows:
- For 18 months, the surcharge will be £1,152.50.
- For 2 years, it will cost £2,070.
- For 3 years, the total will be £3,105.
Do’s & Don’t’s with Graduate Visa
So, with a Graduate visa, you can:
- Get a job in most fields.
- Search for work opportunities.
- Start your own business or be self-employed.
- Live in the UK with your partner and children, as long as they qualify.
- Take trips abroad and come back into the UK.
However, there are some things you cannot do:
- Claim most types of benefits (often called public funds) or the State Pension.
- Work as a professional sportsperson.
If your visa application is approved, you’ll receive a complete list detailing exactly what you can and cannot do on a Graduate visa.
The UK Graduate Route Visa is a crucial opportunity for international students seeking to gain work experience or further opportunities in the UK after their studies. With the recent changes outlined in the Immigration White Paper, students can expect a stay-back period of 18 months for those applying after January 2027, a reduction from the previous 2-year duration. While this might impact long-term plans, the Graduate Route remains a valuable pathway for many, especially for those looking to switch to a skilled work visa. As a prospective student, it’s essential to stay updated and work with experienced UK visa consultants in Kochi to ensure a smooth application process. At Guidance Plus, we offer expert guidance to help you navigate the latest visa changes and secure your future in the UK.
