The United Kingdom has announced a major change to its post-study work policy, cutting the Graduate Route visa duration from two years to 18 months for international students, including Nigerians, effective January 2027.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood disclosed the decision on October 14, emphasizing the need for immigrants to demonstrate an A-level standard of English proficiency.
According to a statement on the UK Government’s website, the adjustment aims to ensure that graduates contribute effectively to the British economy. It forms part of the government’s flagship immigration white paper and “Plan for Change,” designed to tighten control over immigration while maintaining the country’s appeal to global talent.
The statement further revealed that the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers will rise by 32% — the first increase since 2017 — to boost investment in training domestic workers and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment.
The government said data showed that many international graduates had not transitioned into graduate-level employment as intended, prompting the decision to shorten the post-study work period.
This follows recent announcements of additional fees for overseas students, which are expected to make studying in the UK more expensive.
