UK Graduate Route 2025: 2 Years or 18 Months?

The UK Graduate Route visa 2025 is one of the most important pathways for international students planning to study in UK from Andhra Pradesh, especially those coming from cities like Vijayawada, Guntur, and Tirupati. This visa allows Indian graduates to gain international work experience, explore career opportunities, and secure long-term employment. But with the UK government’s new White Paper proposal (May 2025), there is confusion—will the Graduate Route remain for 2 years or be reduced to 18 months?

Current Status of UK Graduate Route (as of August 2025)

• 2 years stay-back for master’s graduates

• 3 years for PhD graduates

• Dependants allowed only if they were dependants under the Student visa

Students graduating in 2025 continue to benefit from the full 2-year Graduate Route visa, making the UK one of the most attractive destinations for study abroad aspirants from Andhra Pradesh.

Proposed Changes (White Paper, May 2025)

• Proposal to cut the Graduate Route duration from 2 years to 18 months

• Stricter rules for dependants

• Still under review and not implemented as law yet

These discussions have created uncertainty, but the Graduate Route UK 2025 remains unchanged at present.

Why It Matters for Students from Andhra Pradesh

Many students from Vijayawada, Guntur, and Tirupati prefer the UK for higher education because of its fast return on investment: a 1-year master’s program followed by 2 years of stay-back to gain international work experience.

If the duration is shortened to 18 months, students must plan internships, placements, and job opportunities earlier. Strong SOP preparation, proactive networking, and guidance from trusted overseas education consultants in Vijayawada will be essential for success.

Graduate Route as a Pathway to Skilled Worker Visa

The Graduate Route visa is not just about short-term stay—it serves as a bridge to the Skilled Worker visa, which offers long-term career growth and settlement opportunities in the UK. For students from Andhra Pradesh, this pathway ensures they can move from studies to employment without interruption.

Final Word

As of 2025, the UK Graduate Route visa remains a 2-year opportunity for Indian graduates, and now is the right time for Andhra Pradesh students to secure admissions and plan their study abroad journey with clarity.