Douglas Olsen
International students who wish to remain in the UK after completing their studies often consider applying for British citizenship. While there is no specific law that makes international students eligible for British citizenship, there are several routes they can explore. One option is to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, which can lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship. Another option is to apply for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, which can also be a pathway to citizenship. Additionally, students from the EU, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein who started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and have lived there continuously for five years may be eligible to apply for citizenship. It is important to note that the requirements for British citizenship may change, and seeking advice from official sources is recommended.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time spent as a student | Doesn't count toward citizenship unless combined with the 10-year route |
| Student visa | Doesn't allow you to change your civil status as a regular resident of the UK |
| Graduate visa | Can be used to gain the necessary skills and experience to obtain a Skilled Worker visa |
| Skilled Worker visa | Valid for 5 years; leads to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) |
| Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) | Permanent residency in the UK; eligibility for ILR after 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa |
| Application for citizenship with ILR | Requires 12 months of ILR |
| Application for citizenship with settled status | Requires 12 months of settled status |
| EU Settlement Scheme | Deadline of 30 June 2021; possibility to apply after the deadline with 'reasonable grounds' |
| EU right of permanent residence | Difficult to prove; seek advice before applying for citizenship |
| Citizenship eligibility | 5 years of living in the UK; 12 months of ILR or settled status |
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What You'll Learn
Student visas and British citizenship
International students on a Student Visa in the UK might be able to apply for British citizenship, but it is not a straightforward process. There are no specific laws or regulations that make international students eligible for British citizenship. However, there are certain routes that international students can take to increase their chances of obtaining British citizenship.
Firstly, it is important to note that a Student Visa does not allow individuals to change their civil status to that of a regular resident in the UK. Therefore, international students on a Student Visa must explore other options to extend their stay in the UK and eventually apply for British citizenship.
One option is to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, formerly known as a Tier 2 (General) work permit. To qualify for this visa, individuals must have a job offer from a UK-based company with a valid sponsorship licence, and the job must meet minimum salary requirements. Once an individual has obtained a Skilled Worker Visa, they can begin their path towards indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK. After spending five years in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa, individuals may be eligible for ILR, which grants permanent residency. One year after receiving ILR, individuals can apply for British citizenship and naturalise as British citizens.
Another option for international students to extend their stay in the UK is through a Graduate Visa. This visa allows recent graduates to gain the necessary skills and experience to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. The Graduate Visa is valid for five years and can provide a pathway to ILR and eventually British citizenship.
It is worth noting that the requirements and routes to British citizenship may vary depending on individual circumstances. For example, individuals from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, or those with a British spouse or civil partner, may have different requirements and routes to citizenship. Additionally, the UK government may introduce new rules that could impact the eligibility criteria for British citizenship, such as requiring individuals to show they have lived in the UK for ten years.
Overall, while it is possible for international students on a Student Visa to apply for British citizenship, it is a complex process that may involve multiple steps and visa changes. Seeking advice from official sources and immigration specialists is highly recommended to navigate the specific requirements and options available.
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Obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa
International students on a Student Visa in the UK are not allowed to change their status to regular residents of the UK. However, there are other ways to extend their stay in the UK after graduation. One way is to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, which is an employer-sponsored visa valid for five years. This visa allows you to work in the UK, including in UK waters, and can be extended as many times as needed as long as eligibility requirements continue to be met.
To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a confirmed job offer from a UK-based company with a valid Skilled Worker license.
- The job must meet minimum salary requirements, which depend on the type of work and date you got your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Have a CoS from your employer with information about the role offered in the UK.
- Do a job that is on the list of eligible occupations.
- Speak, read, write, and understand English.
- Prove your identity and provide necessary documents.
The application fee for a Skilled Worker Visa varies depending on the length of the CoS, the type of job, and whether you are applying from overseas or within the UK. The immigration health surcharge is £1,035 per year of immigration permission granted. You must also obtain 70 points (50 mandatory points and 20 tradeable points) to qualify.
After five years in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is permanent residency. One year after receiving ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.
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Applying for indefinite leave to remain
International students on a Tier 4 visa cannot apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK. However, there are several pathways to extend one's stay in the UK after graduation.
Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa allows international students to stay on and work in the UK for up to 18 months after graduation. This visa cannot be extended or switched to another type of visa.
Skilled Worker Visa
After graduating, international students can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, formerly known as a Tier 2 (General) work permit. This visa is employer-sponsored and requires a job offer from a UK-based company with a valid sponsorship license. Graduates under 26 years of age can enter the job market as "new entrants" with lower salary requirements for this visa. After five years on a Skilled Worker Visa, individuals may be eligible for ILR.
EU Settlement Scheme
If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, or a family member of one, you may be able to apply for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. The deadline for this scheme was June 30, 2021, but you may still be able to apply if you have 'reasonable grounds' for missing the deadline.
Long Residence
If you have been in the UK legally for 10 continuous years, you may be able to apply for ILR under the 'long residence' rule.
Spouse or Civil Partner of a British Citizen
If you are the spouse or civil partner of a British citizen and have lived in the UK for the last three years, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship immediately.
It is important to note that the UK government has proposed changes to make immigration laws stricter, which may affect the ease of obtaining ILR and British citizenship.
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EU Settlement Scheme
International students can seek citizenship in the UK, but there are certain rules and requirements that must be met. There are no specific law regulations that make international students eligible for British citizenship. A student visa does not allow a change in civil status as a regular resident of the UK. However, once you have completed your degree, you can explore options to switch your visa type and remain in the UK for a longer period.
Now, here is some detailed information about the EU Settlement Scheme:
The European Union Settlement Scheme (also the EU Settlement Scheme or EUSS) is an immigration regime of the United Kingdom. It was introduced by the Home Office in 2019 in response to the Brexit situation. The EU Settlement Scheme applies to all EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens resident in the United Kingdom prior to its departure from the European Union, as well as their family members. The deadline for most people to apply to the scheme was 30 June 2021. This scheme allows eligible individuals to continue living in the UK and grants them either "pre-settled status" or "settled status," depending on how long they have been residing in the country. Pre-settled status is a special form of Limited Leave to Remain, while settled status is a special form of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Nationals of EU and EFTA countries who resided in the UK prior to 31 December 2020 for a continuous period exceeding five years will usually receive settled status. This status allows them to remain in the UK indefinitely, retaining the same rights to employment, welfare, education, and public funds. They may also apply for British citizenship upon meeting certain requirements.
To apply for the EU Settlement Scheme, individuals must have a valid passport or national identity card. They may also be asked to provide proof of continuous residence if checks with the relevant authorities cannot confirm the duration of stay using the applicant's National Insurance number. It is important to note that there is no application fee for the EU Settlement Scheme, and having settled or pre-settled status under this scheme counts as permission to stay in the UK.
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British citizenship tests
International students can seek British citizenship, but there are no specific law regulations that make them eligible. To apply for citizenship, international students must meet the same requirements as anyone else.
The Life in the UK Test is a requirement for anyone applying for British citizenship or settlement. The test costs £50 and can be booked online through the official government service. There are over 30 test centres in the UK, and you can choose where to take your test when you book.
The test consists of 24 questions about British traditions and customs, which must be answered within 45 minutes. To pass, you must answer at least 18 questions correctly. The official handbook for the test is available as a book, an eBook, an e-learning subscription, or in audio formats. It is recommended that you study this handbook to prepare for the test.
The new citizenship test places more emphasis on British history and achievements than previous versions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can seek British citizenship, but there are no specific law regulations that make students eligible.
International students can qualify for British citizenship by obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa, formerly known as a Tier 2 (General) work permit. To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, students must have a job offer from a UK-based company with a valid sponsorship license.
The job offered must meet the minimum salary requirements, which depend on the type of work.
The Skilled Worker Visa is valid for five years. After five years, the holder may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is permanent residency in the UK.
You can apply for British citizenship one year after receiving ILR.
