The United Kingdom is one of the best options for pursuing education abroad. It is not only student-friendly but also multicultural, and students come from around the world to study.
The government welcomes international students wholeheartedly to research and can become a permanent resident. If you wish to obtain a PR in the UK after studying, we’ve compiled the necessary steps and ways to increase your chances.
Follow this article, and you will learn some valuable tips and steps to becoming a permanent resident in the United Kingdom.
What is a PR in the UK?
Permanent Residency in the UK refers to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the country. This is also called a settlement and will give you the right to live, work, and study in the country as long as you want to.
You can also apply for benefits for which you are deemed eligible. The UK permanent residency after studying also opens doors for international students to apply for British citizenship.
The circumstances under which international students can apply for a permanent residency include:
- Work in the UK
- Have a family in the UK
- Be a Commonwealth citizen
- Must be returning to the UK after having had indefinite leave to remain previously
- Have served the armed forces
- Be a refugee or possess humanitarian protection or discretionary leave
In addition, you must have spent five years living and working in the country. However, getting PR depends on the type of visa you hold.
Eligibility Criteria for PR in the UK for International Students
To be eligible for PR after studying, you must:
- Have lived and worked in the UK for 5 years.
- Meet the salary requirements.
- Have a job from the list of approved employers by the Home Office.
- You can retain your job and continue to meet the salary requirements even after getting indefinite leave to remain. Your employer must provide a document confirming this.
- Take the “Life in the UK Test” if you are between 18 and 64 years old.
- Fulfill the English language requirements with an English qualification at the B1 level of the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) or complete a degree taught in English.
Document Requirements for the UK Permanent Residency
- Certificate of sponsorship reference number (given by the employer).
- Proof of your English proficiency.
- Your valid passport or other documents that show your identity and nationality.
- Valid job title and annual salary.
- Your job’s occupation code.
- Name of your employer and their sponsor license number—this will be on your certificate of sponsorship.
Note: You might have to share other documents like evidence of personal savings, proof of relationship, tuberculosis test, valid ATAS certificate, etc, depending on your circumstances.
The process to Apply for PR in the UK After Studying
- Carefully go through all the requirements for PR in the UK after studying.
- Select the suitable application type and complete the application online.
- You will use the SET (O) application if you are living and working in the UK in various categories, such as a work permit holder, dependent of the work permit holder, businessperson, innovator, investor, Tier 1 migrant, Tier 2 migrant, self-employed lawyer, writer, composer or artist, UK ancestry, etc.
- If you are applying to stay in the UK as a partner of a person or parent of a child already settled in the UK, you will have to complete Form SET (M).
- You must start filling out your application for permanent residency in the UK 28 days before your qualifying period ends.
- This application includes an application for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which must also be completed.
- Please provide recent payslips showing that you are paid at or above the appropriate rate to be eligible for settlement in the UK.
- Details of your personal bank account or building society statement include the name, account number, date of the statement, name of the financial institution, and transactions by the sponsor.
- Recent passport-size photographs with your full name written on the back of each picture.
- Next, complete the personal history section of the form carefully.
- Sign the declaration form after going through it.
- You will receive your application decision within 3-8 weeks if you apply using the standard services.
You can send your application by prepaid post or courier to UK Visas and Immigration or submit it in person at a Premium Service Centre if the service is available.
The online application will guide you in completing the application and identifying the required documents. You will also be given sufficient time to save your application, gather additional documents, and complete it when you are ready.
Benefits of the UK Permanent Residence
Eligibility for British Citizenship: After a year of having permanent residency, people can apply to become British citizens. You must have lived in the country for five years to be eligible. If you’re married and your spouse is British, it’ll be for three years.
Family can join you in the UK: As a PR holder, your immediate family can also join you. Family members such as spouses, children, parents, and grandparents can relocate to the UK and stay in the PR holder’s residency. Your child can also be registered as a British citizen if they meet the requirements.
High-quality education: After obtaining PR status, you will be eligible to study any Skills Funding Agency (SFA) courses of your choice.
Access to Free Healthcare: Individuals with PR status are eligible for free healthcare provided by the NHS.
Easy Entry into the UK: As a PR holder, you are free to come and go from the UK. It is optional to apply for a visa each time you plan to travel.
You are permitted to spend a maximum of two years abroad. Your PR status will be revoked and become null and void if you leave within the next two years.
To stay in the UK indefinitely, you must apply for permanent residence status.
Cost to Obtain PR in the UK
- Application fee – the standard fee ranges from £620 to £1,420, depending on your circumstances.
- Healthcare surcharge – this is usually £620 per year.
- When you arrive in the UK, you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt) to support yourself.
However, if you want to get a faster decision on your application, you can opt for one of the following services:
- Priority service: Here, you will get a decision within 5 working days. You will have to pay an extra £500 to use this service. The application fee for this will add up to £2,880.
- Super priority service: To avail of this service, you will pay an extra £800 and receive a decision by the next day after you provide your biometric information. The total application fee for this service will be £3,190.
Final Thought
Living in the UK has several benefits, particularly for international students. The UK PR allows students to stay and earn a decent living.
Thus, to improve your chances of having your PR application approved, you must take the proper actions when submitting it. Best of luck with your application!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to get PR in the UK after studying?
Following a master’s degree, an overseas student cannot immediately obtain permanent residence in the UK. The first stage is applying for a work permit and staying in the UK for at least five years.
As long as you meet all the conditions, obtaining a PR in the UK is a rather simple process.
Is PR in the UK similar to British citizenship?
No, PR is not the same as British citizenship in the UK. On the other hand, you can apply for British citizenship after a full year of residence in the country.
You can live, work, and study in the UK if you are a permanent resident. If you meet certain requirements, you can also apply for benefits.
Can my PR in the UK expire?
Yes, your PR in the UK can expire if you have been outside the UK for 2 or more years at a stretch. If your PR has expired, you can re-enter the UK by applying for a Returning Resident Visa.
What is the easiest way to get PR in the UK? Are there any shortcuts?
Students need to be aware that obtaining a PR in the UK after completing their master’s degree or academic pursuits is not easy.
They must adhere to the whole PR application process, which entails fulfilling the predetermined eligibility requirements and submitting an application so that the UK government can assess it appropriately.
Please remember that attempting to get permanent residence (PR) in the UK by dishonest means could result in dire consequences. You could face legal prosecution and be prohibited from entering the country.
To find out if you’re eligible, always follow the correct procedures and get expert counsel from an immigration lawyer or advisor.
What distinguishes citizenship from permanent residence?
Citizenship grants full rights as a UK national, while permanent residence allows travel in and out of the UK without visa requirements. Permanent residents are not restricted from working or studying in the UK.