Can International Students Get PR in the UK

At UKBloom, we understand how exciting—and sometimes confusing—it can be to plan a long-term future in the UK as an international student. One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is:

“Can international students get PR in the UK?”

The good news is yes, international students can get permanent residency (PR)—officially known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)—but the path to get there involves several steps, timelines, and specific visa categories.

This article offers a complete roadmap for students hoping to settle permanently in the UK, covering everything from student visas to post-study work options, job routes, and eligibility for ILR.

What Is PR in the UK?

In the UK, PR (Permanent Residency) is legally known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It gives you the right to:

Live and work in the UK without time restrictions
Access public services and benefits (if eligible)
Apply for British citizenship after 12 months

PR is not automatically granted—you must apply for it after meeting residency and visa requirements.

Can International Students Get PR in the UK?

Yes, but you cannot get a PR directly from a Student visa. Instead, you must:

Complete your studies on a Student visa (Tier 4 or current Student Route)
Switch to a qualifying work visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa
Live in the UK for a continuous period (usually 5 years)
Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Let’s break this down step by step.

Step 1: Start with a UK Student Visa

Most international students enter the UK on a Student visa, which allows them to:

Study full-time at a licensed institution
Work part-time (up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time during holidays)
Bring dependants (for postgraduate and PhD-level courses only)

However, the Student visa does not count towards ILR on its own.

Step 2: Use the Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa)

After completing your course, you can apply for the Graduate visa, also known as the Post-Study Work Visa, introduced in July 2021.

Key Facts:

Valid for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates)
Allows full-time work at any skill or salary level
Does NOT count towards PR/ILR
Allows time to find a Skilled Worker job or switch visas

This visa is a stepping stone, not a direct route to settlement.

Step 3: Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa

To start your journey to PR, you must switch to a Skilled Worker visa (previously Tier 2 General).

Requirements:

A job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor
Minimum salary: £38,700 per year (as of July 2025). Lower thresholds apply for certain shortage occupations and new graduates
English language proficiency
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

How This Helps You:

The Skilled Worker visa counts towards ILR
You can bring dependants
You can apply for PR after 5 years on this visa (including certain combinations)

Important: You must maintain legal continuous residence and avoid gaps between visas.

Step 4: Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (PR)

Once you’ve completed 5 years of qualifying residence—usually under the Skilled Worker visa—you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

ILR Eligibility Criteria:

5 years of continuous lawful stay in the UK
No absences over 180 days per year
Valid visa during the qualifying period
Pass the Life in the UK Test
Meet the English language requirement

If approved, you will receive PR status, allowing you to stay in the UK permanently.

Additional Pathways for Students

If you’re not eligible under the Skilled Worker route, consider these alternatives:

✅ Global Talent Visa

For high-achieving students in research, arts, or digital tech
Fast-track to PR after 3 or 5 years
Requires endorsement from a recognized UK body

✅ Start-up or Innovator Founder Visa

For those with an endorsed business idea
May lead to ILR after 3–5 years if business milestones are met

✅ Spouse/Partner Visa

Marry a British citizen or ILR holder
Apply for a family visa
Eligible for ILR after 5 years of residence

Infographic: PR Pathway for International Students

Step-by-Step UK PR Path

1️⃣ Student Visa (3–5 years, no PR)
⬇️
2️⃣ Graduate Visa (2–3 years, no PR)
⬇️
3️⃣ Skilled Worker Visa (5 years, counts towards PR)
⬇️
4️⃣ Apply for ILR (Permanent Residency)
⬇️
5️⃣ British Citizenship (Optional after 1 year of ILR)

Common Timelines for Students Seeking PR

Stage	Duration	ILR Eligibility
Bachelor’s Degree	3 years	No
Graduate Visa	2 years	No
Skilled Worker Visa	5 years	Yes
Total	10 years	Apply after Year 10

Note: Some may achieve PR sooner if they qualify for the Global Talent or Innovator routes.

Internal Tools and Resources at UKBloom

UK PR Eligibility Checker Tool – See if you’re on track for settlement
Skilled Worker Visa Points Calculator – Check if you qualify for a work visa
Student to Work Visa Switch Guide – Step-by-step instructions
UK Life in the UK Test Practice Quiz – Prepare for your ILR test

(Links will be added soon.)

External Resources

FAQs: Can International Students Get PR in the UK?

Can I apply for PR directly after completing my studies?

No. Student and Graduate visas do not count towards PR. You must switch to a work visa such as the Skilled Worker visa, and complete 5 years.

Can part-time work on a Student visa count toward PR?

No. Time spent on a Student visa, including part-time work, does not contribute to PR eligibility.

Does the Graduate visa lead to PR?

No. The Graduate visa is a temporary post-study work route and does not count towards ILR. You must switch to another visa that does.

Can I settle in the UK with a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. After 5 continuous years on a Skilled Worker visa (with no long gaps or violations), you can apply for ILR.

Is there a fast-track PR option for international students?

Only under special visas like the Global Talent Visa or Innovator Founder Visa, which offer PR in 3–5 years depending on your success and contributions.

Conclusion

While international students cannot get PR in the UK immediately after graduation, there is a clear and achievable path to permanent residency.

By moving from a Student visa to a Graduate visa, then securing a Skilled Worker role, and maintaining 5 years of continuous legal stay, you can apply for PR and build a permanent life in the UK.

At UKBloom, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way—whether you’re planning your education, job search, or PR application.

Stay informed. Plan ahead. And take that next confident step toward calling the UK your home.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Please refer to official UK government sources or seek legal support for specific guidance.