Student Visa Funds Proof Period Cut to 14 Days; Graduate Route Slashed to 18 Months from 2027
The UK overhauled student visa rules in August 2026: financial evidence requirements now need only 14 days of continuous balance (down from 28), but the post-study Graduate route drops from two years to 18 months for new applications from January 2027.
In August 2026, the Home Office implemented sweeping changes to student visa requirements that make it faster to demonstrate funds but significantly shorten the post-study work window. The United Kingdom has implemented a sweeping set of student visa policy changes, shortening the financial proof deposit period from 28 days to 14 days, reducing the Post-Study Work (Graduate Route) visa from two years to 18 months.
Financial Evidence Change
Students applying for a Student visa now only need to show 14 consecutive days of bank balance meeting the monthly cost-of-living threshold, rather than the previous 28 days. This simplifies and speeds up the visa application process, particularly for applicants from countries with less stable banking histories.
Graduate Route Duration Cut
The critical change for international students is the reduction in post-study work rights. For those applying from 1 January 2027, international bachelor's and master's graduates will have their post-study work rights shortened from two years to 18 months. PhD graduates, however, will retain their current three-year allowance.
Practical Implications
If you are currently studying in the UK or plan to apply for a Student visa, the faster funds requirement is beneficial. However, if you are finishing your bachelor's or master's degree this year, you should apply for the Graduate route before 1 January 2027 to secure the full two-year work visa. Students who apply for the Graduate Route on or before December 31, 2026 will continue to receive the full two-year visa. After that date, you'll have only 18 months to find an employer willing to sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa—a significantly tighter timeline with no room for delays. Plan your job search and visa transition accordingly.
Sources
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