How many years will it take me to get Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK after coming as a student?
There is no route from a UK student visa straight to Indefinite Leave to Remain: Student and Graduate visa time does not normally count, so you would need to switch to a work visa such as Skilled Worker, which typically takes about 5 years. Check current Home Office rules.
Going from a student visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK means first switching to a work visa, because Student and Graduate visa time does not normally count toward it. A Skilled Worker route typically then takes about 5 years.
Typical ILR timelines by route
| Route | Typical time to ILR |
|---|---|
| Student to work route | Student and Graduate time does not normally count; the clock starts on a work visa (about 5 years for Skilled Worker) |
| Work visa route | Typically around 5 years, with continuous residence and all requirements met |
| Family visa route | Usually 5 years, depending on cohabitation and visa compliance |
| Fast-track options | Certain visas such as Global Talent or Innovator Founder may allow ILR in 3 years |
What affects your timeline
The time required depends on your visa route and personal circumstances. Continuous residence and meeting every requirement matter throughout.
My Advice
Treat ILR as a long-term plan that starts with your course choice. Keep your immigration record clean, and check the current rules on the official UK government website before making decisions that depend on the timeline.
This information is available on: gov.uk
Planning to settle in the UK after your master's?
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