How to settle in the UK for students

The earlier a person integrates in a society, the faster they associate themselves with it. Therefore, children and teenagers adapt to social and cultural environment of the United Kingdom easier than adults. Parents that want to give their kids the best, including prestigious education, would be asking a logical question – will their kids get permanent residence in Great Britain after studying here?

If you don’t have all the information and look on the surface, it is confusing. However, if you talk to an immigration lawyer that has been supporting a lot of study visas, they will tell you that it is legally possible for student to settle in the UK.

Study visas to the UK and how to stay in the country longer

Most UK visas such as Investor visa, Representative visa, Innovator visa, work and family visas, lead to settlement in 5 years and eventually British passport, provided you comply with all relevant requirements. However, Start-up visa and study visas are not among them. But it does not mean your son or daughter studying in the UK stand no chance of staying in the country. Once they graduate, they can switch to another type of visa.

UK residence after 5 years in the country

For example, a Start-up visa is valid for 2 years – it cannot be extended, but you can switch to Innovator visa and in 3 years apply for much-wanted settlement. UK Immigration laws permit the combination of periods of residence under different visas in which case after 5 years of getting the first visa, you can become permanent resident in the United Kingdom.

UK residence after 10 years in the country

Students can settle in the UK only after no less than ten years. There are a few scenarios that lead to it and only a qualified lawyer can give the right advice as to which one works for your child.

Permanent residence for students

Here are the most common scenarios of getting ILR for those who study in the UK.

1. A child studies at school on a Tier 4 Child visa (valid for ages 10 to 16). Then, if they want to study in a college or university, they can switch to a 4 General visa. After 10 years of living in the UK with these visas, your son or daughter can apply for ILR. But be careful with how many days they spend outside the UK so that it does not exceed permitted requirement. If your child spends a lot of time outside the UK on holidays or other reasons, then they will need to switch to another visa.

2. You or your child get a Tier 4 General visa after finishing school abroad (for those older than 16), study in an university (visa can be extended for the whole duration of studies) and then find a job. If you land one, you can stay in the UK on a work visa that be also extended and wait for 10 years if combining work visa with a study visa or 5 years on a work visa.

3. If you meet your second half while studying in the UK and he or she happens to be British or EEA national, or a settled person, you can switch to a family visa. Please be aware that from January 2021 this is not going to apply to EEA nationals.

What must be done to get indefinite leave to remain

In most cases, you can switch to another visa within the UK, but in some cases you will have to leave the country. The most important thing is to make sure a gap between visas are not more than 6 months – only then can you apply for permanent residence on a 10-year route. Otherwise, you have to start from scratch.

There a lot of tricky pitfalls here which must be discussed with an immigration lawyer. You might be advised to apply for settlement after 5 years on a new visa rather than add it to the student visa and wait for 10 years.

10-year applicants must submit a lot of documents to show they have been living in the country all this time. besides, each study visa has certain limitations that must be complied with. We strongly advise getting a professional consultation and support – a lawyer will help you choose the right solution at a minimum cost. This will leave you more time to focus on finding a suitable educational institution – this will the foundation for future for you and your child.