PETITIONClosedPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Allow Graduate Visa to be extended
We urge the UK Government to allow graduate visa holders to extend their visa by 1–2 years if they have worked for at least one year, paid taxes, and have a clean record. This could help graduates secure skilled jobs, contribute to the economy, and support the UK’s talent retention goals.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
27
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 27/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 27/100,000
Background
We think the current two-year Graduate Route visa is too short for many skilled graduates to secure jobs due to market competition and post-COVID hiring delays. We believe graduates who have worked for at least 1 year, paid taxes, and followed UK laws deserve a fair chance to remain and contribute further. Extending their visa by 1-2 years could help fill labour gaps, retain global talent, and boost the economy. We think this policy would enhance the UK’s reputation as a world-leading destination for education and innovation.