UK Reduces Graduate Visa to 18 Months in Major Immigration Overhaul

The UK government has announced a significant cut to the post-study Graduate Route visa, reducing its duration from two years to 18 months. The move is part of a sweeping set of immigration reforms unveiled in a new Immigration White Paper released on Monday, aimed at tightening control over migration, cracking down on visa abuse, and restoring public confidence in the immigration system.

Graduate Route Cut and Stricter University Oversight

The Graduate Route, which previously allowed international graduates two years to work in the UK after completing their studies, will now offer only 18 months. Additionally, graduates will face a more restrictive pathway to skilled work visas and stricter rules on bringing dependants.

The Home Office criticized the route for failing to meet its original objectives, calling it “a loophole for unsponsored work and a magnet for abuse.” In response, the government is tightening sponsorship requirements for universities. Only institutions that meet enhanced compliance standards will be permitted to continue recruiting international students. Those found with low graduate progression-to-work rates or engaging in misleading recruitment practices will face sanctions, including licence revocation and recruitment bans.

“Sponsorship is a privilege, not a right. Sponsors will be held accountable for their international recruitment practices,” the Home Office stated.

New Restrictions on Asylum Claims

Asylum rules will also be overhauled. Under the new admissibility criteria, claims may be automatically refused if applicants fail to apply upon arrival or if conditions in their home country have not significantly changed. The reforms aim to prevent late or opportunistic claims and “re-establish control over the border.”

“The threshold for protection will be restored to its intended level,” the Home Office added, stressing that the asylum system must be used only by those in genuine need.

Expanded Deportation Powers for Foreign Offenders

The government plans to introduce legislation that will broaden deportation powers to include all foreign nationals convicted of any criminal offence, not just those sentenced to more than 12 months in prison. There will be an increased focus on deporting offenders involved in crimes against women and girls.

Additionally, the government intends to restrict the use of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights — the right to family life — in immigration appeals. “Parliament, not the courts, should decide who stays,” the document stated.

Penalties for Visa Abuse

Employers, educational institutions, and other sponsors found to have facilitated visa abuse will face severe consequences. These include financial penalties, loss of sponsorship licences, and bans on future recruitment.

The reforms also signal a renewed focus on enforcing immigration compliance and preventing misuse of the visa system. “Migration must be controlled and compliant. Our reforms will close the backdoors and shut down abuse across the system,” the Home Office said.

Government Justifies Bold Action

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the sweeping measures as necessary to restore integrity to the UK’s immigration system. “We’re making it clear that the UK welcomes global talent — but not at the cost of public confidence or border control,” she said.

The government says the reforms are part of a long-term strategy to “restore credibility, reduce numbers, and deliver an immigration system the public can trust.”