The UK Reduces Post-Study Visa to 18 Months from 24 Months Under Graduate Route

The UK Government has introduced a strict rule for international students in a white paper stating that international students will now be able to stay in the UK for 18 months after completing their studies. 

Keir Starmer (Prime Minister, UK) has promised that “enforcement will be tougher than ever and migration numbers will fall.

Tough speculation that the white paper would outline plans to tie the Graduate Route to professional roles only, the document does not specify that staying in the country after graduation will depend on securing any specific job. 

What is the Graduate Route Visa?

In July 2021, the UK Government launched the ‘Graduate Route’. The UK Graduate Route allows international students to stay in the UK for two years (or three years for PhD students) after graduation. The UK Graduate Route is known as the PSW (Post-study Work Visa). The purpose of the PSW is for international student graduates to work, or look for work, following the successful completion of an eligible course.

New Regulation at Post-Study Work Visa (PSW)

A white paper released by the UK government on 12 May 2025 provides a blueprint for the country’s immigration settings. The paper signals the government’s intention to curb migration to the UK across all visa classes, including the Student Route, and it carries a number of significant implications for students and British Universities and schools as well.

The immigration white paper sets out changes to the UK Graduate Route, shortening the PSW from two years to a period of 18 months after graduation.

What Was in the White Paper on Immigration?

The white paper on immigration has stated 4 major things about the UK students’ visa, the Graduate Route Visa and the Work Visa in the UK. Such as:

• The UK Graduate Route will be reduced from two years to 18 months
• The use of the Agent Quality Framework will become mandatory for any institution using recruitment agents to attract international students
• Compliance requirements for universities sponsoring international students will be tightened
• New English language requirements for student dependents and skilled workers

The First big impression is, White Paper on Immigration proposes to reduce the ability for Graduates to remain in the UK after their studies to a period of 18 months from the current 24 months (three years for PhD students).

The second big impact is on the cost of education in the UK. The White Paper on Immigration will also reform the cost of studying in UK for international students. The UK is exploring introducing a duty on higher education providers’ income from international students, to be reinvested into skills.

Thirdly, the UK will increase English language requirements for Skilled Workers and workers. The language requirement already applies from B1 to B2 (Independent User) levels, under the CEFR.

Fourth, the White Paper on Immigration has some measures that will ensure that sponsors are encouraged to recruit their students, only offering places to genuine students who meet the requirements of the route.

The UK government is tightening the restrictions for universities that wish to attract overseas students. These modifications are intended to prevent people from exploiting student visas. Universities must now achieve higher standards to maintain their license to sponsor international students:

• The visa refusal rate must be below 10% (no change).
• At least 95% of students must start their class (was 90% before).
• At least 90% must finish their degree (was 85% before).

Contact AIMS Education to get more updates about UK student visa or the immigration rules.