After my study or work visa, can I apply for permanent residency in the country where I study in UK/UAE for a PhD?
Yes, you can apply for permanent residency after your study or work visa, but the process and requirements differ between the UK and UAE.
- UK: After your studies, you can apply for a Graduate Visa (post-study work visa), which lets you stay and work for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). If you secure a qualifying job, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa. After 5 years on this visa, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residency), subject to change.
- UAE: The UAE does not offer traditional permanent residency but provides long-term options. After studying, you can get a Job Seeker Visa to find employment, then move to a work visa. The Green Visa (5 years) and Golden Visa (long-term) offer renewable residency for skilled professionals and exceptional talents.
Employment and meeting specific criteria are key for both countries.
Still have doubts?
Speak to a LeapScholar expert — free, no obligations.
More Post-study work questions
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Can I pursue an MBA abroad after completing a Bachelor of Science degree?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- After completing my studies, can I stay back in Ireland and apply for permanent residency for a Master's/Bachelor's?
- Can you explain the difference between Germany and Ireland regarding dependent visas and family stay for a PhD?
- Are golden visas available after education, and what are the eligibility criteria in UAE for a Master's/PhD?
More UAE questions
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- How do US universities evaluate Indian LLM applicants differently from UK or European law schools?
- What is the fee range for a one-year MBA course compared to a two-year course in UK?
- Is the USA the best country option for my AI or data science master's program, or should I consider other countries in UK/Canada?
- What scholarships are available for Cybersecurity Master's programs in UK universities?
- Is there any scope for studying radiology in Dubai for a Postgraduate?
- Which universities in the UK offer MS Accounting & Finance for a B.Tech Computer Engineering graduate and ₹40 lakhs budget?
- Which course are you planning to do abroad in UK for a Master's/MBA?
