The UK is one of the choices for pursuing higher education. It is not only a student-friendly country but a leader in the education world. No wonder it is referred to as the 3rd most popular destination for international students. Students get the chance to live and work in a diverse environment that offers a good quality of life along with world-class facilities. This is why many students aim to get hold of permanent residency after completing their degree.
If you are one of them, then you must be wondering “Can I get PR in the UK after graduating?” sure, why not? This guide will provide you with all the essential details regarding eligibility criteria, the application process, requirements, cost, and how to get PR in the UK for international students.
What is PR in UK after Study?
PR in the UK means having an indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK. This also refers to as settlement, which means you will have the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as you want. It opens doors for an international student to apply for British citizenship.
To get PR as an international you need to follow the 5 easy steps:
Step 1: Admission to the UK University
In order to get PR in the UK, you first need to get admission to a university in the UK. The decision to move to another country is undoubtedly a big one. But when that said destination provides quality higher education, facilities and global connection, it is worth it. Every university has its own eligibility criteria and requirements so make sure that you check them carefully before starting the application process. Some of the common requirements are:
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency requirement score
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
Step 2: Get a Student Visa in UK
To study in the UK, you’ll first need to obtain a student visa. A Tier 4 student visa is the longest-stay visa in the UK which will ultimately help you get PR in the UK. Check student visa requirements. Make sure you meet the requirements like adequate funds to cover tuition and living costs. You’ll need to provide bank statements as evidence. Apply for a student visa. Submit your application online along with:
- A valid passport
- Completed Tier 4 student visa application form
- Latest passport size photographs
- Proof that you can support yourself financially during your studies in the UK
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- English language proficiency score
To apply for a student visa you need to pay £363. The process can take up to 3 months, so apply early! Attend a visa interview. Some applicants may be invited to attend an interview to discuss their application. Be prepared to answer questions about your course, funding, and future plans. Get your student visa! If your application is approved, your student visa will be stamped in your passport. You can then make arrangements to travel to the UK to begin your studies!
Step 3: Acquire Work Experience during your Studies in the UK
International students are allowed to work part-time in the UK for 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during the holiday breaks. As an international student, you will get numerous job opportunities in the UK. You also have the opportunity to intern in your respective field.
For more information regarding international students’ work rights and limitations click here.
Step 4: Land a Job
The Post-Study Work Visa also known as Graduate visa in the UK allows international students to stay in the United Kingdom for at least 2 years after successfully completing a course in the UK. To apply for a Graduate visa, you need:
- To be present in the UK
- To be a Student visa holder
- To have a bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course from a UK university
- Your institute has told the Home Office you have successfully completed your course.
In the context of getting a PR, this is the most important step. If you are not eligible for a Graduate visa, you may be eligible for another type of visa. However, it should be noted that only those with Tier-2 visas are eligible for permanent employment in the UK. International students can submit applications for the program. The UK Tier 2 visa is a work visa that permits the holder to work in the UK. The students can apply for permanent employment in the UK region once they have obtained a tier-2 visa.
To know more about switching from Tier-4 to Tier-2 visa click here.
Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residency in the UK
After completing 5 full years of graduate jobs, international students can apply for permanent residency. To be a permanent resident, applicants need to apply for an “indefinite leave to remain (ILR) visa”. To get ILR you need to have a full-time job with a good salary, good moral conduct, and no criminal record. And skill of fluent English.
There is a requirement to pass the knowledge of the life of the UK test and the English test to get your ILR visa. It can take over 6 months to get your ILR visa. After getting an ILR visa, you will become a permanent resident of the UK and will get the right of a regular citizen of the country.
Eligibility Criteria for PR in UK for International Students
To apply for PR the following requirements are crucial. So, let’s check them out!
- Live and work in the UK for 5 years
- Your job must meet the salary requirements, which must be further paid higher of the following:
- £25,600 per year
- £20,480 per year (when you are paid less)
- The going rate for the type of job your doing
- Must have a job from the list of approved employers by the Home Office
- You must be needed for your job and continue to meet the salary requirements even after getting indefinite leave to remain. Your employer must provide a document confirming this.
- For individuals between the age of 18 to 64 years, they need to take the “Life in the UK test”
- Fulfil the English language requirements.
Document Requirements for UK PR
You will need the following documents:
- Sponsorship reference number certificate issued by the employer. (this will also have the name of the employer and their sponsor licence number.
- Proof of your English proficiency
- A valid passport or any other documents that verify your identity and nationality
- Your job’s occupation code.
UK PR Process
You can apply for IRL by given steps:
- Create a Home Office account to register yourself for the UK permanent residence
- Now submit all the required documents.
- Provide all accurate details and contact information.
- After you are done with the form, you will be asked to pay the application fee.
- Submit the receipt of the application fee to your account and submit your application successfully.
- Afterwards, you will receive a confirmation email along with a link to book your UKVACS appointment. In this appointment, you will provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photographs)
UK Permanent Resident Application Fees
You have the choice to apply for ILR online or through an agent. If you apply through an agent it can cost you a little more, however they will help make the application process easier for you. The application fee is £2,404. Please note there is no additional fee for biometrics.
So, now you know the process of acquiring PR in the UK as an international student. We hope this guide helps, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Edvise Hub team, they will be all too happy to help you out with your queries.
