You’re not alone if you’re an international student dreaming of making the UK your long-term home. Thousands of students wonder how to turn their study experience into a permanent life in the UK each year
With the right planning and a bit of patience, permanent residency in the UK after study is absolutely achievable. This guide will walk you through the process in five straightforward steps of how to get PR in the UK, sharing practical tips, and focusing on what really matters to students.
Whether you’re searching for “Permanent residency in the UK after study” or just want to know how to apply for permanent residence in the UK after your degree, read on. This article breaks down the journey of how to become a resident of the UK.
What is UK Permanent Residence (PR)?
UK permanent residence is officially called Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Holding an ILR means you can live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. You’ll have access to the NHS, no more visa renewals, and after 12 months, you can even apply for British citizenship.
For students, PR is the golden ticket. It means you can build your career, settle down, and truly make the UK your home. But if you’re thinking how can I get PR in the UK? These are your holy-grail five steps that you should know.
Eligibility Factors To Get A PR
| Eligibility Factor | Requirement |
| Continuous Residence | 5 years of lawful, continuous residence in the UK (some routes allow 3 or 10 years) |
| Qualifying Visa | Time spent on eligible work visas (e.g., Skilled Worker/Tier 2, Innovator, Global Talent, etc.) |
| Stable Employment | Ongoing employment meeting minimum salary threshold (varies by visa, typically £26,200+ per year for Skilled Worker) |
| Life in the UK Test | Pass the official Life in the UK Test |
| English Language Proficiency | Meet English language requirement (usually B1 CEFR or above, or UK degree) |
How To Apply For Permanent Residence In The UK?
Step 1: Start With a Student Visa (Tier 4/ Student Route)
Your journey begins with a Student Visa, often called the Tier 4 visa. This allows you to study at a UK university, college, or other approved institution. Here’s what you need to know:
- Secure admission to a recognised UK institution.
- Meet the financial requirements: For courses in London, you’ll need to show at least £1,334 per month for up to 9 months; outside London, it’s £1,023 per month.
- Maintain your legal status: Stick to your visa conditions, attend your classes, and keep your records clean.
Pro Tip: Your time on a Student Visa doesn’t count towards the five-year PR clock, but it’s the essential first step. Use this time to build your network, gain work experience, and plan your next move.
Step 2: Switch to a Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa)
Once you’ve graduated, the next step is the Graduate Route- also known as the post-study work visa. This visa gives you:
- Two years (or three years for PhD graduates) to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level.
- The freedom to try out different jobs, gain UK work experience, and find an employer who can sponsor your next visa.
Why is this important?
The Graduate Route is your bridge from student life to the UK workforce. It gives you time to settle in, explore your options, and boost your CV-all while staying legally in the country.
Step 3: Land a Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2)
To move closer to UK permanent residence, you’ll need to switch from the Graduate Route to a Skilled Worker Visa (previously called Tier 2). Here’s how it works:
- Find a job with a UK employer approved by the Home Office (they must have a sponsor licence).
- Meet the salary threshold: For 2025, this is higher than previous years and varies by profession, but expect to need a job paying at least £26,200 per year (or higher for some roles).
- Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa: This lets you live and work in the UK for up to five years.
Tip for Indian students and others:
This is the most common route for UK permanent residence for Indian and other international students. Many UK employers are familiar with the process and actively recruit graduates from UK universities.
Step 4: Complete Five Years on a Work Visa and Meet ILR Requirements
Here’s where the real countdown begins. To apply for permanent residence in the UK after study, you must:
- Complete five years of continuous legal residence on a Skilled Worker Visa (or other eligible work visas like Tier 1, Innovator, or Global Talent).
- Maintain a clean immigration record: Avoid overstaying, visa breaches, or criminal convictions.
- Meet the salary and employment requirements: You must still be employed in a qualifying job at the time of your PR application.
- Pass the Life in the UK Test: This is a multiple-choice exam about British history, culture, and values.
- Prove your English proficiency: Usually through an approved English language test or a UK degree.
Documents you’ll need include:
| Document | Purpose |
| Valid passport and current visa | Proof of your identity and legal status in the UK |
| Proof of five years’ continuous residence | Evidence of living in the UK without long absences (e.g., utility bills, tenancy agreements) |
| Employment documents | Confirmation of your job through contracts and payslips |
| Life in the UK Test certificate | Proof that you have passed the official Life in the UK Test |
| English language certificate | Evidence of meeting English proficiency requirements (e.g., IELTS, PTE) |
| Bank statements for financial stability | Demonstrates your ability to support yourself financially |
Note:
If you’re an Innovator, Global Talent, or Investor visa holder, you may be eligible for PR after just three years.
Step 5: Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
You’re almost there! Once you’ve completed your five years (or three, for certain visas), you can formally apply for permanent residence in the UK by submitting your ILR application. Here’s how:
- Apply online via the UK government website.
- Pay the application fee (as of 2025, it’s £2,885 for most applicants).
- Submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photo).
- Attend an interview if required.
Processing time:
Most ILR applications are processed within 6 months, though some may be quicker.
After ILR:
You can live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions. After 12 months, you’re eligible to apply for British citizenship if you wish.
Other Routes to UK Permanent Residence
While the Skilled Worker route is the most common for students, there are other ways to get permanent residency in the UK after study:
- Long Residence Route: If you’ve lived in the UK legally for 10 years (on any combination of visas), you can apply for ILR.
- Spouse/Partner Route: If you marry or are in a civil partnership with a UK citizen, you may be eligible after 2 years of residence together.
- Investor, Innovator, or Global Talent Visas: Fast-track routes for high-skilled individuals, entrepreneurs, or those with exceptional talent.
Benefits Of PR in The UK
- Live, Work, and Study Without Restrictions: PR gives you the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the UK, unlimitedly, free from immigration controls or the need for further visas.
- Access to Public Benefits and Services: Like UK citizens, you can access the National Health Service (NHS) for healthcare, apply for social security benefits, and receive support for housing and education.
- Family Reunification: PR holders can bring close family members (spouse, children, dependent relatives) to live with them in the UK, making it easier to keep families together.
- Pathway to British Citizenship: After holding PR for one year, you can apply for British citizenship, giving you the full rights of a UK national.
- Education Benefits: After three years of residency, PR holders and their children can access educational opportunities and funding, including lower tuition fees and student support.
- Housing and Social Security: PR holders are eligible for council housing, homelessness assistance, and other social welfare programs.
- Administrative Convenience: With PR, you are no longer required to prove your job status, resources, or health insurance in many official situations, simplifying administrative processes.
UK PR Visa Requirements: What You Need to Remember
Let’s recap the UK PR visa requirements for students:
- Five years of continuous legal residence (usually on a Skilled Worker Visa)
- A valid job and salary that meets the threshold
- Passing the Life in the UK Test
- English language proficiency
- Clean immigration and criminal record
Keep your documents organised and stay on top of your visa deadlines. The process can seem daunting, but breaking it down into these steps makes it much more manageable.
Getting UK permanent residence after your studies isn’t just a dream; it’s a clear, step-by-step process. Start with your student visa, use the Graduate Route to gain work experience, land a Skilled Worker Visa, and keep your eye on the five-year mark. Stay organised, meet the UK PR visa requirements, and you’ll be well on your way to calling the UK your permanent home.
PR might be your goal, but for now, let’s find you a great place to live while you study. Browse student accommodation in the UK with UniAcco.
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