Can I apply for permanent residency in the UK after completing masters and working for 5 to 6 years for a Master's?
Yes, you can apply for permanent residency in the UK after your Master's, but your work must be on a qualifying visa route like the Skilled Worker visa. Time spent on a Student Visa or the Graduate Route does not count toward the five year work requirement. The full process.
Planning your future in the UK after a Master's degree involves understanding how different visas factor into your long term residency goals. You must navigate specific work requirements because study and post-study work periods do not automatically count toward your settlement timeline.
UK Visa Stages and Permanent Residency Timeline
| Visa Stage | Duration | Counts Toward ILR Work Clock |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa | 1 Year | No |
| Graduate Route | 2 Years | No |
| Skilled Worker Visa | 4 to 5 Years | Yes |
Core Requirements for Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Continuous residence requiring no more than 180 days outside the UK in any rolling 12 month period.
- Meeting minimum salary thresholds or the going rate for your specific occupation code.
- Passing the Life in the UK test and satisfying English language requirements.
My Advice
Make sure you secure a sponsored job before your Graduate visa expires so your official five year work clock can begin. Keep meticulous records of all travel dates and absences to protect your continuous residence status.
Planning to settle in the UK after your master's?
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