Does my time on a Student visa or Graduate Route count toward the UK 5-year ILR period?
27 Oct 2026 · Answered by Bhuvaneswari Gobinathan · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
No, time spent on a Student visa or the Graduate Route typically does not count toward the 5-year qualifying period for ILR under the Skilled Worker route. Only the years on a Skilled Worker visa count. Check the official GOV.UK page for the latest rules.
No. The years you spend studying on a Student visa and the time on the Graduate Route typically do not count toward the 5-year qualifying period for ILR. The clock is tied to the Skilled Worker route.
What Counts Toward the 5-Year Period
| Visa stage | Counts toward 5-year ILR period? |
|---|---|
| Student visa | No |
| Graduate Route | No |
| Skilled Worker visa | Yes, 5 continuous years |
Why the Graduate Route Is Still Useful
- It typically lets you stay 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, or 18 months from 1 January 2027 (three years for PhD graduates), to look for work.
- You can work in almost any job and do not need sponsorship.
- It gives you UK work experience and time to find a sponsored Skilled Worker job.
- It cannot be extended, so use the period well.
My Advice
Plan your timeline knowing that the 5-year clock starts only after you switch to a Skilled Worker visa. Aim to secure a sponsored job during your Graduate Route period, and confirm the latest rules on GOV.UK.
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