Can I apply for permanent residency in the UK after completing masters and working for 5 to 6 years for a Master's?
22 Jul 2026 · Answered by Chaithrakala P L · 1 min read
Yes, you can apply for permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain, ILR) in the UK after completing your master's, but there are specific steps and timelines.
- After your master's, you can get a Graduate Visa (currently 2 years, changing to 18 months from January 2027). Time on this visa does not count towards ILR eligibility.
- You must then switch to a Skilled Worker Visa by securing a sponsored job. You need to work continuously on this visa for 5 years to qualify for ILR.
In total, the process usually takes about 7-8 years from graduation to permanent residency, depending on your visa pathway.
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