What are the post-study work visa options and duration in the UK?
08 Jul 2026 · Answered by Shairal Pathak · 1 min read
After completing your UK master’s, you can apply for the Graduate Visa, which allows you to work in the UK for up to 2 years (18 months for those graduating after January 2027). If you secure a skilled job offer, you could switch to a Skilled Worker Visa for a longer stay. If health or innovation roles interest you, there are special visas for those fields as well.
More expert answers
No, the post-study work permit (Graduate Visa) in the UK cannot be extended beyond its initial duration.
After a one-year course, you can apply for the Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to two years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, or 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. This visa is non-extendable. To stay longer, you must switch to another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, before your Graduate Visa expires.
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