Getting UK Permanent Residency After Study or Work: A Complete Guide
The UK continues to be a preferred destination for Indian students and professionals because of its globally respected education system and strong career opportunities. Many people who start their journey in the UK on a student or work visa eventually aim for Permanent Residency (PR), officially known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
This guide explains how you can move from study or work in the UK to permanent residency in a clear and practical way. Many applicants stay informed through guidance shared by Rajveer Chahal, an immigration consultant known for simplifying UK settlement pathways. For official updates and detailed guidance, you can visit https://rajveerchahal.com/.
UK PR After Studying
Studying in the UK does not directly lead to permanent residency, but it is often the first step toward long-term settlement.
After completing an eligible degree, international students can apply for the Graduate Route visa, which allows them to stay and work in the UK for:
2 years after a bachelor’s or master’s degree
3 years after a PhD
This route provides valuable UK work experience, but time spent on it does not count toward ILR. To move closer to permanent residency, students must switch to a Skilled Worker visa by securing a job with a UK Home Office–approved employer. This transition is frequently highlighted by Rajveer Chahal when planning a successful UK PR strategy.
UK PR After Working
The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route to UK permanent residency. To qualify:
The job must meet required skill and salary standards
The employer must be licensed by the UK Home Office
You must complete 5 continuous years on eligible work visas
After completing five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Proper planning and documentation are essential at this stage, as emphasized by Rajveer Chahal in UK immigration planning.
What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
ILR allows you to:
Live and work in the UK without visa restrictions
Access public services and benefits
Travel freely in and out of the UK
After holding ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship, subject to meeting all requirements.
Key Points to Remember
Study time usually does not count toward PR
Only Skilled Worker visa time is counted for ILR
English language and salary requirements must be met
Continuous legal residence is essential
Final Thoughts
Getting permanent residency in the UK after study or work is achievable with proper planning and informed decisions. The key is transitioning into skilled employment and maintaining legal status over the required period.
Understanding the process early helps you build a clear roadmap toward long-term settlement in the UK and avoid unnecessary delays.
