WHAT'S NEW? UKCISA'S UPDATE ON IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS AND GRADUATES
UKCISA announced an important change to the immigration regulations for students and graduates on October 14, 2025. Foreign students seeking for visas through the student route (beginning November 11, 2025) and the graduate route (beginning January 1, 2027) will be affected by these new developments.
Important Changes You Should Be Aware Of
1. The Student Route will require more maintenance starting on November 11, 2025.
Applicants must prove they have enough money to sustain themselves while they are in college in order to be qualified for a student visa. The necessary amount will rise as follows starting on November 11, 2025:
In London: 1,529 pounds per month (for up to 9 months)
Outside London: 1,171 pounds per month (for up to 9 months)
The revised London figure of 1,529 pounds will also result in an increase in the maximum accommodation allowance.
This means students will need to show a higher level of savings or financial support when applying for a visa.
2. Graduate Route Duration Reduced (Effective 1 January 2027)
Currently, graduates can apply for a two-year post-study stay under the Graduate route after earning a qualifying bachelor's or master's degree from the UK.
This post-study duration will be shortened to 18 months for the majority of candidates starting on January 1, 2027.
Students pursuing a PhD or other doctorate degree are exempt and will still be eligible for three years of post-study leave.
You will still be eligible for the current two-year stay if you apply for the Graduate route before January 1, 2027.
Why These Changes Matter?
These changes will have a direct impact on how international students arrange their education, finances, and career choices in the UK; they go beyond simple changes in the law. Here is a brief explanation to help you understand them:
Higher funds needed for Student Visa
- Students must now show increased financial stability
- This may be challenging for some families or sponsors.
Tip: Prepare your money in advance and maintain exact records of your sponsor documents and savings.
Graduate Route Duration Cut
- Post-study work time will reduce from 2 years to 18 months (for most students from January 2027)
- Impact: less time to change to a skilled worker visa or find employment.
Tip: Start your career search early by applying for the Graduate path by January 2027.
PhD Students Unaffected
Doctoral graduates will continue to receive 3 years of post-study leave.
Tip: A PhD program is still a reliable choice for long-term study and professional advancement.
Timing is Crucial
The rules vary depending on whether you apply before or after the deadlines
Tip: Be mindful of visa deadlines and get advice from the international office at your university.
These revisions take into account the UK's changing immigration situation, which finds a balance between the requirement to guarantee new students' ability to pay and its aim to draw in talent from throughout the world.
The most important lesson for international students is to be proactive in understanding how these changes impact your financial situation, career route, and study objectives. You can still get the most out of your time studying in the UK if you move quickly and prepare yourself.
Source info:
https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/news/student-update-changes-to-the-student-and-graduate-rules/
