The Graduate Route visa, once seen as a generous 24-month window to build your career in the UK, is being cut short.

As of May 2025, the UK government has announced that this post-study work visa will be reduced to 18 months for most Master’s and Bachelor’s graduates. PhD students will still get three years—but for everyone else, the clock is now ticking faster.

So what does this mean for students planning their future abroad? Everything.

This article isn’t about panic. It’s about strategy. It’s about how to adapt when the rules of the game change—and how to protect your investment, your career, and your time.

UK Immigration Policy Timeline: What Changed and When

To fully understand the impact on international students, it’s important to get the timeline right:

April 2024 – Skilled Worker Visa Salary Changes Introduced
The UK government significantly increased salary thresholds for the Skilled Worker visa:

• Standard: Raised from £26,200 to £38,700
• New Entrants (e.g. graduates under 26): From £20,960 to £30,960
• PhD graduates saw role-specific increases based on field and job alignment

May 2025 – Immigration White Paper Released
The UK confirmed further immigration reforms, including:

• Reducing the Graduate Route from 24 months to 18 months for Bachelor’s and Master’s students (expected to apply from 2026)
• Maintaining the salary thresholds set in 2024, reinforcing the goal of attracting only job-ready, high-value professionals

This means that students graduating in or after 2026 will have:

• Less time to find a job (18 months instead of 24)
• Higher salary requirements to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa

Planning around both realities is now essential.

1. What the Rule Change Means

The UK’s Graduate Route has been a safety net for international students—giving them time to find work, adjust to life, and build a career base after graduation.

But starting in 2026 (exact date pending), new graduates will only have 18 months instead of 24.

That’s six fewer months to:

• Gain meaningful work experience
• Secure a Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visa
• Prove your value to employers
• Transition from student to professional life

If you think six months isn’t a big deal—think again. For job seekers, it can be the difference between making it or missing out.

2. Why Old Strategies No Longer Work

Under the 24-month window, many students took their time:

• Working basic jobs to earn back tuition or living costs
• Delaying their job hunt until months after graduation
• Figuring things out “once they got settled”

That delay is now too costly.

With just 18 months:

• You’ll need to start applying for jobs almost immediately
• Most graduate schemes close within 3–6 months of intake
• You can’t afford to lose time in jobs that don’t build your resume

3. Family-Funded Students: Don’t Let Guilt Cost You Your Career

Here’s where it gets personal.

In a recent conversation with a parent, we reflected on a pattern seen across many South Asian families: students are often funded entirely by parents or relatives. It’s an act of love—but it comes with emotional weight.

To reduce this dependency, many students rush into part-time jobs—delivery, fast food, or entry-level roles—just to feel less of a burden. And in many cases, they even relocate closer to these jobs, locking themselves into a routine that’s hard to break.

Earlier, this might have been fine. But with only 18 months now, that part-time job is costing you precious career capital.

Instead of guilt, what students need is permission to focus.

Yes, your parents are investing in you. So make that investment count.

Delay part-time work if needed. Find an unpaid internship if it strengthens your CV. Use university connections. Prioritize your future over your fears.

Because coming home in 18 months without real experience is far more painful than asking for three more months of support now.

4. What Needs to Change — Right Now

Start planning your career during your course—not after.

Use university career services early. Attend networking events. Build your LinkedIn profile before graduation.

Apply for Tier 2 sponsorship roles while still a student.

These roles often require months of vetting. The earlier you start, the better.

Choose degrees that align with UK skill shortages.

Tech, data, healthcare, cybersecurity, education—research what’s in demand before applying

Don’t follow the crowd into survival jobs.

Every decision must now serve your long-term employability.

5. How Erudmite Helps You Stay Ahead

At Erudmite, we’re already preparing students for the new reality:

• Strategic career counselling sessions
• Webinars with HR professionals and visa experts
• Workshops on CV building, interview skills, and sponsorship strategy
• Access to programs designed around career relevance—not just academics

We don’t just help you get into a university. We help you get somewhere after.

6. What Salary Do You Need to Stay in the UK Long-Term?

With the Graduate Route visa now reduced to 18 months, many students are looking to transition to the UK’s Skilled Worker visa (also known as Tier 2). But this pathway comes with financial criteria that can’t be ignored.

Current Salary Thresholds (from April 2024):

• Standard Minimum Salary: £38,700/year or the ‘going rate’ for your job — whichever is higher
• New Entrants (including graduates under 26): £30,960/year or 70% of the going rate
• PhD Holders:
  • STEM: £25,000/year (80% of going rate)
  • Non-STEM: £26,100/year (90% of going rate)
• Immigration Salary List roles: £30,960/year or full going rate, whichever is higher

Previously (before April 2024):

• Standard threshold was £26,200/year
• New entrants were allowed with £20,960/year

This means students now face a much steeper hill. You must ensure your CV, skills, and degree align with high-paying sectors. Mediocre roles will no longer qualify you for visa sponsorship.

Final Word: The Rules Changed. So Should You.

This isn’t about fear—it’s about focus.

You don’t have 24 months anymore. You have 18.

Make every month count.

Be intentional. Be informed. Be invested.

And let Erudmite help you turn this shorter runway into a powerful launchpad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When will the new 18-month rule apply?

It’s expected to take effect from the 2026/27 academic year, but students starting in September 2025 may still be eligible for the 24-month route.

Q: Will the 3-year PSW for PhD students change?

No. As of now, PhD graduates will continue to receive 36 months of post-study work eligibility.

Q: Can I still switch to a Tier 2 visa during the 18 months?

Yes, and that should be your goal. Start early, build connections, and apply to companies on the UK Sponsor List.

Q: Is this change permanent?

It’s part of the UK’s 2025 immigration white paper, aligned with net migration control. Policy may evolve, but planning with current rules is crucial.