Are you looking for an educational destination to pursue higher education and want to secure permanent residency (PR) there? The United Kingdom can be the best match to fulfill your aspirations. It’s a country that offers a perfect blend of diverse cultures and world-class education. With 12 universities in the top 100 universities worldwide, including the famous Oxford and Cambridge, the UK has set a benchmark for academic excellence.
But education isn’t the only reason why students wish to obtain PR in UK after getting done with their studies. The country is a melting pot of cultures and has a rich history that dates back centuries. In essence, the UK celebrates diversity and welcomes students from all backgrounds with open arms.
And if you’re wondering how to secure permanent residency in the UK after your studies, you must know how many years to get PR in UK you may require. We have laid out five easy steps that can help increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident in the UK.
So, if you’re considering studying in the UK and want to know how to make it your permanent home, stick with us and learn some valuable tips and steps.
How Many Years to Get PR in UK For International Students?
Acquiring permanent residence, also known as PR or indefinite leave to remain (ILR), is a major accomplishment for those who have studied in the United Kingdom. This visa provides the freedom to live, study, and work in the UK indefinitely and opens up opportunities to apply for British citizenship after graduation. Additionally, having PR allows you to access benefits even if you entered the UK on a study visa. To obtain PR in the UK after completing your studies, you must need to live and work in the country for 5 years.
How to Get PR in the UK?
The type of visa you hold will determine the steps to take in order to apply for PR. If you’re currently working in the UK on a Tier 2, Skilled Worker, or International Sportsperson visa, you can apply for PR accordingly. Keep reading to learn more about the simple process of becoming a permanent resident in the UK.
Step 1: Enroll in a UK University
The initial step toward securing permanent residence in the UK involves gaining admission to a university in the country. Opting to pursue higher education in the UK is a significant choice, considering the nation’s renowned quality of education, exceptional facilities, and extensive global connections. Moving from one country to another for advanced studies is undeniably a major decision, and we believe that such decisions should be made after thorough analysis.
The educational landscape in the UK has a lot to offer, and academic guidance can address any concerns or queries you might have about studying in this dynamic environment. Annually, over 5 million international students choose the UK as their study destination. This substantial number is influenced by various factors, encompassing personal, social, and economic motivations that attract students to pursue education in the UK.
Step 2: Secure Your Student Visa
Once you’ve successfully gained admission to a university in the United Kingdom, the next important step is to apply for a UK student visa. This visa is vital for your travel and stay in the UK for educational purposes. The application process encompasses submitting several documents, including your passport, confirmation of university admission, a passport-sized photograph, UK address details, and more. You can submit these documents either to the UK Embassy or through the official UK visa website.
Upon confirming your identity, you will be granted a Tier 4 student visa, initially valid for a minimum of 6 months, with the possibility of an extension of up to 11 months.
Step 3: Balance Work and Study
Merely studying in the United Kingdom is not the sole pathway to obtaining PR in the UK. Instead, if you manage to actively engage in part-time jobs or internships alongside your studies, you will most likely maximize the possibilities of securing PR in UK. Therefore, embracing part-time employment or internships, and even pursuing full-time roles during summer and Christmas breaks, can significantly upscale your chances of obtaining permanent residency in the UK after completing your studies.
These internships not only contribute to strengthening your resume but also play a crucial role in increasing your prospects for PR. Moreover, you have the opportunity to earn up to £1,500 per month through these internships. That makes work while studying a valuable aspect of your overall experience while pursuing higher education in the UK.
Step 4: Try to Secure Employment Opportunities
The Post Study Work Visa (PSW) in the UK opens up avenues for international students to stay in the United Kingdom post-graduation. It allows them to seek employment for a period of at least 2 years. With the PSW visa, graduates can explore diverse job opportunities during the initial two years, and subsequently, transition into a general work visa.
For international students aspiring to obtain PR in UK, this phase holds great significance. Major global companies have a presence in the United Kingdom, making it a promising destination for work after completing a degree. International students can apply for jobs aligned with their preferences, with the Tier-2 visa being the key requirement for permanent employment in the UK.
Currently, more than 7,000 international students transition from a Tier-4 Student Visa to a Tier-2 Work Visa annually. As per the existing regulations, students typically need to wait until they obtain their degree before applying for a Tier-2 visa.
Step 5: Become a Permanent Resident
Now, let’s explore the pathway to achieving a Permanent Residency (PR) in the UK after completing your studies. Following five years of employment, the next step is obtaining an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) visa to secure PR status in the United Kingdom. To be eligible, you must hold a full-time job with a satisfactory salary, maintain good moral conduct, possess no criminal record, and demonstrate proficiency in fluent English.
Attaining ILR involves passing both the Life in the UK test and an English language proficiency test. The entire process of acquiring an ILR visa typically spans six months. Once you successfully get the ILR visa, secure PR status in the United Kingdom. This will impart to you all the rights and privileges akin to those of a regular citizen of the country.
You Should Also Read: How Much Study Gap is Acceptable in the UK?
Key Takeaway
After completing an undergraduate or master’s degree, international students have the opportunity to remain in the UK for up to two years. Similarly, PhD graduates can apply to extend their stay for up to three years.
This post-study period is mapped out so that overseas students can gain valuable work experience, explore career opportunities, and contribute to the country’s economy. Moreover, it’s an excellent chance to apply and further enhance the knowledge acquired during their academic pursuits while contributing to their professional growth.
The UK offers this opportunity to retain skilled individuals who have enriched their education system and allows them to contribute actively to the country’s workforce before considering long-term settlement options. After following these steps, international students coming to the UK from different parts of the world can certainly secure PR in UK.
How Can Studywise Help You?
We have explained the question “How Many Years to Get PR in UK” in this guide. If you have made up your mind to call the United Kingdom your home and need any kind of further assistance regarding your visa process, you don’t need to worry anymore. We, the StudyWise, are here at your disposal to provide you with in-depth information and assistance so you can commence your journey of dreams. Call us today and or download our app now to maximize your chances of success.
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FAQs:
What are the key factors influencing the duration of acquiring PR in the UK for students?
These factors typically include continuous compliance with visa regulations, type of visa, employment history, and any changes in immigration policies. Fulfilling this criterion is essential for a successful PR application.
Are there specific eligibility criteria that students must meet before applying for Permanent Residency in the UK?
Yes, eligibility criteria include a specific duration of lawful residence, adherence to visa conditions, and evidence of financial stability. Meeting English language requirements may also be necessary.
How does the time spent in the UK during studies contribute to the overall PR eligibility?
Time spent in the UK during studies contributes to the required residency period for PR eligibility. However, compliance with visa conditions and maintaining lawful residence is essential.