Lori Meadows
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for international students, many of whom plan to remain in the country after completing their studies. However, becoming a permanent resident in the UK as an international student requires careful planning and adherence to specific requirements. The process may vary depending on factors such as the student's country of origin and visa type. In this discussion, we will explore the options available for international students who aspire to obtain permanent residency (PR) in the UK and outline the key steps and considerations to enhance their chances of success.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements for permanent working in the UK | Tier 2 Visa |
| Requirements for Tier 2 Visa | Minimum income of £38,700 per year, under 26, recent graduate, in professional training, or holding a STEM PhD relevant to the job; £35,000 per year is also mentioned as a requirement |
| Other visa options | Tier 1 Visa (graduate entrepreneur visa), Tier 5 Visa (for Tier 4 student visa holders to undergo professional training or work experience) |
| Requirements for permanent residence | "Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa", 5 years of working in the UK, stable income, full-time job, good moral conduct, passing the "Knowledge of Life in the UK" test and a recognised English language test |
| Exceptions | Citizens of EEA countries and Switzerland who have lived in the UK for over 5 years may be eligible for permanent residence; citizenship does not require permanent residence |
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What You'll Learn
Requirements for a Tier 4 Student Visa
International students can obtain permanent residency in the UK by securing an "indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa". This can be achieved after 5 years of completing a graduate job, with a stable income and full-time employment, good moral conduct, and no criminal record. Applicants must also pass the "Life in the UK" test and a recognised English language test.
Now, for the requirements for a Tier 4 Student Visa, which has been replaced by the new Student Visa route but still applies to current Tier 4 visa holders:
Firstly, applicants must have been offered a full-time place at a UK educational institution, with a minimum of 15 hours of classroom study per week. This offer must be for a course that meets certain requirements.
Secondly, applicants must attain a minimum of 40 points according to the points-based assessment criteria.
Thirdly, applicants must meet the English language requirement, unless an exception applies.
Fourthly, applicants must be able to provide evidence of financial maintenance to cover course fees and accommodation.
Additionally, applicants must prove their identity with documents such as a passport, photos, university admission letter, and UK address. A medical certificate ruling out tuberculosis may also be required, along with a healthcare charge of £150 per year.
It is worth noting that the Tier 4 Visa allows students to work up to 20 hours per week and full time during the Christmas holidays, with potential earnings of £300 to £500 per month.
The Tier 4 Visa has been replaced by the Student Visa, and applicants should be aware of the rules and regulations of the new visa.
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Getting a job after graduation
The UK offers great opportunities to start a new life and a successful career, and it is no surprise that many international students plan to remain in the country after graduation. However, there are certain rules and visa requirements that international students must navigate to work in the UK after completing their studies.
Work Visa Options for International Students in the UK
Firstly, it is important to note that international students in the UK are usually on a Tier 4 Student Visa, which allows them to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during holidays. After completing their degree, international students can apply for a Tier 2 Work Visa, which is the most common route for international graduates. This visa requires students to find an employer willing to pay a minimum salary of £20,800 per year, and the employer must demonstrate that they could not find a suitable UK applicant for the role.
Other Visa Options
Alternatively, international students can apply for a Tier 1 Visa, which allows them to set up a business and is known as the graduate entrepreneur visa. There is also a Tier 5 Visa, which enables Tier 4 student visa holders to gain professional training or work experience.
Steps to Improve Your Chances of Finding Employment in the UK as an International Student
While it can be challenging to obtain a Tier 2 Visa, there are several steps international students can take to improve their chances of finding a certified employer to sponsor them:
- Gain work experience alongside your degree, either through part-time jobs or internships, to develop valuable skills and industry contacts.
- Take advantage of graduate programmes offered by many companies.
- Consider volunteering in your chosen industry to gain experience and build your CV.
- Develop business knowledge, which is valued by employers.
- Leverage any multilingual skills you have as an international student, setting yourself apart from other candidates.
Permanent Residency Options for International Students in the UK
For international students seeking permanent residency in the UK, the goal is to secure an "indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa". This status can be obtained after five years of completing a graduate job, demonstrating a stable income, full-time employment, and good moral conduct. Applicants must also pass the Knowledge of Life in the UK test and a recognised English Language test.
Additionally, international students from EEA countries and Switzerland may have different pathways to permanent residency if they have lived in the UK for over five years or meet specific criteria, such as being a qualified person or having family members who are permanent residents or British citizens.
In summary, while there are challenges and visa requirements to navigate, international students can certainly improve their chances of finding employment and obtaining permanent residency in the UK by being proactive during their studies and taking strategic steps to build a strong CV.
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Applying for permanent residence
International students can apply for permanent residency in the UK, but there are several steps and requirements to fulfil.
Firstly, international students need to obtain a visa that allows them to stay in the UK after completing their studies. This can be done by applying for a post-study work visa, also known as a UK Graduate Visa (PSW UK). This visa allows students to work in the UK for two years or three years in the case of a doctoral degree.
After the PSW UK visa expires, students who wish to stay longer in the UK need to apply for a skilled work visa, a general work visa (Tier 2), or another relevant visa. To obtain a Tier 2 visa, the candidate must be under 26, a recent graduate, in professional training, or holding a STEM PhD relevant to the job. They must also earn a minimum of £38,700 per year, although this figure may change annually.
Once a student has obtained a Tier 2 visa and worked in the UK for five years, they may be eligible to apply for an 'indefinite leave to remain' (ILR) visa, which grants permanent resident status. Applicants for the ILR visa must demonstrate a stable income, full-time employment, and good moral conduct with no criminal record. They must also pass the 'Knowledge of Life in the UK' test and a recognised English language test. The entire process of obtaining the ILR visa can take up to six months.
It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining permanent residency may change, and international students should refer to the UK government's official sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Additionally, students from EEA countries and Switzerland may have different requirements and should check their eligibility.
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The Tier 2 Work Visa
The Tier 2 Visa, also known as the Skilled Worker Visa, is the main immigration route for skilled workers who wish to enter the UK for employment. It is available for those who have been offered a skilled job in the UK by a UKVI-authorised employer and has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa.
To be eligible for a Tier 2 Visa, applicants must score 70 points based on several requirements, including maintenance, appropriate salary, English language proficiency, and holding a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The CoS is a digital certificate reference number provided by the employer, containing information about the migrant and the proposed job. It is valid for three months from the date of issue and can only be used for one application. The job offered must be on the list of eligible occupations, and the applicant must be paid a minimum salary, which depends on the type of work and the date the CoS was granted.
Applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to level B1 or above, unless they are applying for a Senior or Specialist Worker Visa or a Tier 2 (General) Visa as a doctor, dentist, nurse, or midwife. If applicants cannot score 10 points for English proficiency, their application will be refused, even if they meet all other requirements.
The Tier 2 Visa allows visa holders to work in the UK and UK waters. Dependants of visa holders, such as partners and children, may apply to join or stay in the UK, provided they are eligible. The visa is typically valid for up to five years, after which it must be extended or updated if the holder changes jobs or employers.
International students can switch from a Tier 4 Student Visa to a Tier 2 Visa after completing their degree. With a Tier 2 Visa, they can seek permanent residence in the UK by securing an "indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa". To obtain an ILR Visa, individuals must demonstrate a stable income, full-time employment, and good moral conduct with no criminal record. They must also pass the Knowledge of Life in the UK test and a recognised English language test.
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Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa
International students can obtain permanent residency in the UK by securing an "indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa". To be eligible for an ILR visa, individuals must have completed five years of graduate employment. Applicants must also demonstrate a stable income, full-time employment, and good moral conduct with no criminal record. Additionally, applicants are required to pass the "`Knowledge of Life in the UK` test" and a recognised English language test. The ILR application process can take up to six months.
Prior to 2003, obtaining an ILR in the UK was free of charge. However, fees have been introduced and increased annually since then. As of 2009, the ILR fee stood at £820 for the main applicant, with an additional £50 levy imposed on economic migrants and students from outside the EU.
It is important to note that international students from EEA countries and Switzerland can obtain permanent residency in the UK if they have lived there for over five years. In such cases, they may be eligible to seek permanent residence as an EEA "qualified person", which includes students or job seekers.
The UK offers various visa options for international students, including the Tier 4 Student Visa, Tier 2 Work Visa, and Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa. These visas provide a pathway to permanent residency or ILR status.
Obtaining an ILR is a prerequisite for international students who wish to apply for British citizenship. After obtaining ILR status and spending more than five years in the UK, individuals can apply for citizenship and enjoy the full rights and benefits of UK nationals.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can secure permanent residency in the UK by obtaining an "indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa". To be eligible, you must have completed a graduate job, maintained a stable income, and worked full-time for at least 5 years. You must also pass the Knowledge of Life in the UK test and a recognised English Language test.
To work in the UK after completing your degree, you will need to apply for a Tier 2 Visa, which is the visa requirement for permanent working in the UK. Over 7,000 international students make this switch from a Tier 4 Student Visa each year.
Yes, international students from EEA countries and Switzerland can obtain permanent residency in the UK if they have lived in the country for over five years.
Permanent residence allows individuals to travel in and out of the UK without needing a visa, and they can work and study as a resident. British citizenship, on the other hand, grants individuals the full rights and benefits of UK nationals.
To obtain permanent residency in the UK, individuals must demonstrate a stable income. As of 2016, applicants needed to earn a minimum of £35,000 per year after being on a Tier 2 Visa for 5 years. The minimum income requirement may change annually.
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