UK Maintains Two-Year Graduate Visa for Selected Universities

The United Kingdom has announced that it will retain its two-year post-study work visa for international students graduating from selected universities, following a revision of its earlier decision to reduce the duration of the scheme. Graduates from universities with strong immigration compliance records and positive employment outcomes will qualify for the two-year Graduate visa, while others will receive 18 months starting January 2027.

This policy introduces a two-tier system based on the university attended. The UK government revealed this adjustment in its 2026 Budget, although it has not yet published the list of qualifying universities.

The change is significant for Nigerian graduates, who are among the major beneficiaries of the Graduate visa route, with 20,604 approvals recorded during the year ending June 2026. The Graduate visa allows eligible international students to work or search for employment in the UK without immediate employer sponsorship, but it cannot be extended.