Permanent Residency (PR) in the UK: What International Students Should Know

International students can apply for permanent residency (PR) in the UK after studying there. However, the requirements and process for obtaining PR can vary depending on several factors, such as the country you are from and the type of visa you hold.

The Tier 2 category

One of the main ways international students can apply for PR in the UK is by applying for a visa through the Tier 2 (General) category of the Points-Based System.

This is a points-based system that allows skilled workers to come to the UK to fill gaps in the labor market. To apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa, you will need a job offer from a UK employer willing to sponsor your visa application.

The length of time you will need to work in the UK to apply for PR will depend on the length of your visa.

If you have a Tier 2 (General) visa, you will need to work in the UK for at least five years in order to be eligible to apply for PR.

However, if you have a different type of visa, the length of time you will need to work in the UK to apply for PR may vary.

The Tier 1 category

The Tier 1 category of the UK’s Points-Based System is for highly skilled individuals who want to come to the UK to work.

This category includes several different types of visas, such as the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa for individuals who are recognized as leaders in their field, and the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa for individuals who want to set up a business in the UK.

To apply for a Tier 1 visa, you will need to meet a number of requirements, including having a certain number of points based on factors such as your qualifications, previous earnings, and English language ability. You will also need to provide evidence to support your application, such as a job offer or a business plan.

The length of time you can stay in the UK on a Tier 1 visa will depend on the type of visa you have. For example, if you have a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa, you can stay in the UK for up to five years and four months, while if you have a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa, you can stay in the UK for up to three years and four months.

Once you have completed the required length of stay on your Tier 1 visa, you may be eligible to apply for PR in the UK. However, the requirements and process for applying for PR can vary depending on your individual circumstances.

Applying for UK permanent residency

Once you have met the requirements for applying for PR, you can apply for an “indefinite leave to remain” (ILR) visa, which will allow you to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions.

To apply for an ILR visa, you will need to meet several requirements, including having a good knowledge of English, having sufficient funds to support yourself, and not having any criminal convictions.

It’s important to note that the process of applying for PR in the UK can be complex and can vary depending on your circumstances.

If you are an international student in the UK or are planning to study here and are interested in applying for PR, it’s a good idea to speak to an overseas education consultant who can provide you with more detailed information and advice on the process.