From January 2027, international graduates in the UK, including Nigerians will no longer be able to stay for two years under the Graduate visa; the period will be shortened to 18 months, according to the government. 

 At the same time, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that migrants applying for skilled worker, scale-up, and high potential visas must now pass English language tests at A level (B2) standard, replacing the previous lower threshold. 

The move is part of a sweeping immigration overhaul aimed at reducing net migration and ensuring that graduates convert their stay into meaningful employment, rather than remaining in low skill roles.  Critics warn the changes could make the UK a less attractive destination for international students and complicate the hiring strategies of employers, who will now have a tighter window to assess and sponsor new talent.