How to Get PR in UK after Studies?

As per various estimates, more than 600,000 overseas students were studying in UK universities. Under such circumstances, some of the common questions asked by international students, who wish to stay back in the UK, are is it possible to get PR in UK after study, how to get PR in UK after study, or how many years to get PR in UK?

Studying abroad and then staying back after your studies is not child’s play. The entire process involves a lot of deliberation. Students need to arrange for funds, select the appropriate university, prepare for tests, complete the admission process, look for accommodation, and list of work goes on. 

If you are someone who wishes to stay back in the UK for work after their studies then, you must also be thinking -  how to get PR in the UK after studying, or after how many years you get PR in the UK? While, it is very much possible to get a PR in the UK after your studies, in this article, we will answer all your questions about getting a PR in the UK after your studies.

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Securing Admission into UK Universities

Students, who wish to study in universities in the UK and want to stay back after their studies, need to get admitted to a UK university/ college. Admission criteria vary from course to course and from university to university. Moreover, students who are applying for undergraduate courses need to apply through UCAS. Those who wish to study postgraduate courses in the UK, need to apply to the universities directly. A few postgraduate courses are also available on the UCAS postgraduate. Some of the common requirements for admissions in UK universities include:

• School mark sheets and certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Appropriate degree (as per the academic level)
• English proficiency test scores: IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE Test/ Other
• GMAT/ GRE
• Statement of Purpose
• Reference letters
• Copy of passport and other ID proofs
• CV (if applicable)
• Proof of funds

Make sure that you prepare and file your documents well in advance so as to avoid the last-minute rush. Moreover, take care of the admission timeline. 

Applying for a UK Student Visa

Once you have received an admission offer from your university, you must begin the process of applying for a UK student visa. Students who go to the UK for higher education need to apply for a UK student visa (formerly termed a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa and popularly called a Tier 4 Student Visa). Following are the details of the UK student visa:

• An offer of an academic course from a licensed student sponsor
• Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English
• Sufficient financial resources
• The cost of the UK student visa, for students who apply from outside the UK, is £490.

Also Read: UK Student Visa Documents

UK Post Study Work Visa (PSW UK)

Once students have completed their course, and if they wish to stay back in the UK, they need to apply for a UK post-study work visa (commonly known as PSW UK). It is also called a UK Graduate Visa. PSW UK allows a student to work in the UK for two years (three years in case of a doctoral degree). Students can read about PSW UK in detail here. The following are the eligibility conditions:

• Application must be made when the student is in the UK
• He/ she must hold a UK student visa
• He/ she must have completed a bachelor’s/ master’s/ PhD/ any other relevant degree from the UK
• Students need to pay an application fee of £822 and an annual healthcare surcharge of £1035

Also Read: What Do Students Do Post-taking Graduate Route? How Much Do They Earn?

How can I get PR in the UK after Studies?

Below are some sets of steps and requirements to get a PR in the UK for international students. 

Tier 2 Visa UK

After the expiry of the PSW visa, those who are looking to stay longer in the UK need to apply for a skilled work visa or general work visa (Tier 2 visa) or any other relevant visa. In order to obtain a Tier 2 visa, the general work visa, the candidate should be getting a minimum amount of £30,960 per year, must be under 26, recent graduates, in professional training, or holding a STEM PhD relevant to the job. For some jobs, this can be higher or lower. Moreover, if you wish to apply for a Tier 2 visa, you must have a confirmed job offer before your application.

Requirements for a PR in the UK for International Students

To be eligible for a PR in the UK after study, you must be in possession of a valid UK visa and must fulfil the eligibility requirements. Consider the details below:

• If you have been in the UK for 5 years and have fulfilled one of the following conditions, you can apply for PR in the UK:
  • Indefinite leave to remain in the UK
  • Indefinite leave to enter the UK
  • Settled status (it refers to indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme)
  • Students must note that they do not have to wait for this 12-month period in case if they are married to a British citizen
  • You must be 18 years or above
  • You need to prove your English-language proficiency
  • You must pass the life in the UK test
  • You must have intentions of living in the UK
  • Your character must be good
  • Your stay must be in accordance with the UK immigration laws
  • You can apply by yourself or with the help of an agent
• Once you have applied, you will receive you can expect a decision within 6 months

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