UK Graduate Visa for Nepali Students 2026 and 2027

The application date now matters. Eligible non-doctoral graduates applying by 31 December 2026 receive two years; applications from 1 January 2027 receive 18 months. Doctoral graduates continue to receive three years.

Quick answer: This guide is for Nepali applicants and was checked against official information available in July 2026. Always confirm the conditions printed on your visa and the latest government guidance.

Core eligibility

You must be in the UK, hold current Student or Tier 4 permission, have successfully completed an eligible UK course for the required study period and have a provider that has notified the Home Office of successful completion. Apply only after that notification and before Student permission expires.

How long does the visa last?

Apply on or before 31 December 2026: two years for eligible non-doctoral graduates.
Apply on or after 1 January 2027: 18 months for eligible non-doctoral graduates.
PhD or other doctoral qualification: three years.

The visa starts when the application is approved.

What can graduates do?

The route permits eligible graduates to work or look for work with broad flexibility, subject to its conditions. It is not a settlement route and cannot be extended. A graduate who wants to stay longer may need to switch to another eligible route, such as Skilled Worker, before Graduate permission expires.

When should you apply?

Do not wait for the graduation ceremony if the provider has already reported successful completion, but do not apply before confirmation. You must be physically in the UK and apply before current Student permission expires. Travel while an in-country application is pending can have serious consequences.

Dependants and planning

A partner or child normally needs to have been an eligible dependant under the Student route to continue, subject to the Graduate rules and current changes. Build the visa fee, healthcare surcharge and job-search budget into the plan. The route does not guarantee employment.

Practical checklist

Confirm the exact rule for your course, sponsor and application date.
Keep the CAS, passport, financial evidence and submitted application consistent.
Save official evidence and payment receipts in one application folder.
Do not make travel, work or family plans from social-media advice alone.
Ask MKS Education to review your study-plan sequence before final submission.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Graduate visa still two years in 2026?

Yes for eligible non-doctoral applications submitted on or before 31 December 2026.

What changes in 2027?

Eligible non-doctoral applications submitted from 1 January 2027 receive 18 months.

Can the Graduate visa be extended?

No, but switching to another qualifying immigration route may be possible.

Official sources checked

General educational information only; UKVI and the education provider make the final decision.

MKS Education support

Plan your application with MKS Education

MKS Education is a study abroad consultancy opposite Shankerdev Campus in Putalisadak, Kathmandu. We help Nepali students review profiles, shortlist universities and courses, prepare applications, organise documents, research scholarships, and plan CAS and visa-file stages using current official sources. Universities and immigration authorities make all admission and visa decisions.

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