Studying in the UK is a dream for many international students. The UK has some of the best universities in the world, and students from all over the world come to study here. But, after completing their studies, many students wonder if they can stay in the UK and get permanent residency. In this article, we will explore the options available to students who want to stay in the UK after their studies.
What is Permanent Residency?
Permanent residency, also known as indefinite leave to remain (ILR), is a status granted to individuals who have been living in the UK for a certain period of time. Once you have ILR, you can live and work in the UK without any restrictions. You can also apply for British citizenship after a certain period of time.
Can International Students Get Permanent Residency?
Yes, international students can get permanent residency in the UK. However, the process is not automatic, and you will need to meet certain requirements to be eligible for ILR.
What are the Requirements for Permanent Residency?
The requirements for ILR vary depending on the visa category you are in. However, in general, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- You must have completed an eligible course of study in the UK.
- You must have a valid visa at the time of your application for ILR.
- You must have lived in the UK for a certain period of time, usually 5 years.
- You must not have breached any immigration laws while in the UK.
- You must meet the English language requirement.
- You must pass the Life in the UK test.
What is the Post-Study Work Visa?
The post-study work visa, also known as the Graduate Route, is a new visa category introduced by the UK government in 2020. This visa allows international students who have completed their studies in the UK to stay in the UK for up to 2 years after their graduation to work or look for work.
Can I Get Permanent Residency Through the Post-Study Work Visa?
No, you cannot get permanent residency through the post-study work visa. However, the post-study work visa can be a pathway to permanent residency for some students.
How Can the Post-Study Work Visa Help with Permanent Residency?
If you are on the post-study work visa and you find a job that meets the requirements for an eligible visa category, you may be able to switch to that visa category. Some visa categories, such as the Tier 2 (General) visa, can lead to permanent residency.
What is the Tier 2 (General) Visa?
The Tier 2 (General) visa is a visa category that allows skilled workers to come to the UK to work. To be eligible for this visa, you must have a job offer from a UK employer who is willing to sponsor you. You must also meet the English language requirement and the minimum salary requirement.
Can I Get Permanent Residency Through the Tier 2 (General) Visa?
Yes, you can get permanent residency through the Tier 2 (General) visa. Once you have been in the UK on a Tier 2 (General) visa for 5 years, you can apply for ILR.
What Other Visa Categories Can Lead to Permanent Residency?
There are several visa categories that can lead to permanent residency, including:
- Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa
- Tier 1 (Investor) visa
- Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) visa
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) visa
What Should I Do to Increase My Chances of Getting Permanent Residency?
If you want to increase your chances of getting permanent residency in the UK, you should:
- Choose a course of study that is in demand in the UK job market.
- Make sure you have a good understanding of the English language.
- Find a job in the UK that meets the requirements for an eligible visa category.
- Make sure you have a good immigration history.
Conclusion
Getting permanent residency in the UK after studying is possible, but it requires careful planning and meeting certain requirements. The post-study work visa and the Tier 2 (General) visa are two visa categories that can lead to permanent residency. To increase your chances of getting permanent residency, you should choose a course of study that is in demand, find a job in the UK that meets the requirements for an eligible visa category, and make sure you have a good immigration history.