The United Kingdom has announced a significant revision to its post-study work visa policy, cutting the duration from two years to 18 months for international graduates, including Nigerians. The new rule will take effect from January 2027.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood revealed the changes on October 14, explaining that the decision forms part of the government’s broader plan to tighten immigration controls while still maintaining the country’s appeal to highly skilled global talent. She added that new English language requirements would ensure that foreign graduates meet A-level standards to improve their integration into the UK workforce.
According to a statement published on the UK government’s website, the reduced post-study period is aimed at ensuring that international students make meaningful contributions to the British economy. The government noted that data had shown many graduates were not securing graduate-level employment within the current two-year window, which prompted the policy adjustment.
The change is part of a wider set of immigration reforms introduced in Parliament under the ‘Plan for Change’—the government’s flagship immigration white paper. Among these reforms is a 32 percent increase in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), a fee paid by employers who sponsor skilled foreign workers. This is the first ISC increase since 2017. The government says the additional revenue will be reinvested in training British workers to reduce reliance on overseas recruitment.
A portion of the statement reads:
“The measures form part of the government’s flagship immigration white paper and Plan for Change to deliver on the priorities of working people for tighter control of who comes to this country while continuing to attract top global talent. The time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies will be cut to 18 months from the current two years. The immigration skills charge, paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers and reinvested in training the domestic workforce, is being raised by 32 percent. The ISC increase—the first since 2017—will be used to boost investment in British workers and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment.”
Beyond the reduced work period, international students will also face tougher English language requirements for studying, working, and settling in the UK. Additionally, studying in Britain is becoming more expensive. From the 2025/26 academic year, undergraduate tuition fees are expected to rise by 3.1 percent, moving from £9,250 to £9,535.
The UK has already implemented several immigration changes. Since January 2024, most international students have been barred from bringing dependants, except those in postgraduate research programmes or beneficiaries of government-funded scholarships. Early data for 2024 indicates a decline in the number of foreign students choosing the UK as their preferred study destination.
The government maintains that these reforms will strike a balance between attracting top international talent and strengthening opportunities for domestic workers.
