Prompt-style answer · UK
How long does the UK Graduate visa last in 2026?
Currently 2 years for most graduates (3 years for PhD holders), but this shrinks to 18 months (36 months for PhD) for applications made from 1 January 2027 onward — so timing your application matters if you're near that cutoff.
Key points
- Applications before 1 January 2027 may still get the full 2-year (or 3-year PhD) duration.
- No job offer or sponsorship is needed to apply for a Graduate visa.
- Time on a Graduate visa does not itself count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain.
- Most graduates use the visa to convert into a sponsored Skilled Worker role.
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