Last Updated on August 30, 2024
Studying in UK offers Indian students a unique opportunity to access world-class education, cultural diversity, and a global perspective. The UK boasts a rich academic heritage with numerous prestigious universities renowned for their quality of education and research. Indian students pursuing higher education in the UK can benefit from a wide range of academic disciplines, cutting-edge facilities, and experienced faculty. One key advantage for Indian students is the potential pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) in the UK. The UK government provides a Post-Study Work Visa, which allows international graduates to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their degree. This serves as a valuable chance for Indian students to gain practical experience and contribute to their career growth. Moreover, studying in the UK exposes Indian students to a diverse and inclusive environment, fostering personal and professional growth while expanding their cultural horizons. The vibrant student community and access to various extracurricular activities enrich their overall learning experience.
Why choose the UK?
Most of people think ‘Why should we choose the UK for PR’ or ‘There are so many countries that are better than the UK that we could go to and apply for PR there’. Well here are some of the advantages that Indians can get if they apply for PR in the UK:
- Apply for British Citizenship: You can apply for British citizenship as a permanent resident after one year of holding this status, but you must have been in the UK for five (5) years before applying. If your partner is a British citizen, the process will take three years. There are other ways to apply for British citizenship, but this is the simplest.
- Entry right to the UK: Having PR UK also grants you the freedom to enter and exit the country. You are not required to apply for a visa every time you want to travel. Please keep in mind that you cannot stay outside the UK for more than two years. You’ve been out of the country for more than two years. Your pre-settled status will be null and void, and you will have to reapply if you want to continue your PR in the country.
- Access to Jobs and Education: With permanent residence in the UK, you will have access to educational institutions and employment opportunities that those on a restricted visa will not have. Furthermore, having this status may make it easier to apply for certain jobs. You don’t even have to prove your point.
- Bring Family Members: The EU Settlement Scheme is open to your immediate family members (spouse or civil partner, children, grandchildren, parents or grandparents). If you have a UK residence card, your extended family members (partner, sister, brother, uncle, aunt, cousin, niece, nephew) can apply. To qualify for permanent residence in the UK, they must meet the same requirements as you.
- Social Security Benefits: The UK government provides permanent residents with a variety of social security benefits. Child benefits, job seekers’ allowance, unemployment insurance, state pension contributions, and so on are examples. If you are a permanent resident, you can apply for these benefits just like any other British citizen.
- Access to Healthcare: When you become a permanent resident of the United Kingdom, you will also be entitled to free healthcare from the National Health Service (NHS). This means you’ll be able to receive a variety of medical treatments, such as hospital care and medication.
- Your child can become a British citizen: Your PR status can also benefit your children. If you have permanent residence in the UK, your child can be registered as a British citizen. This could be a fantastic opportunity for their future as well as your peace of mind.
- International education benefits for your child: If you and your child have permanent residence in the UK, you are eligible for tuition fee discounts for international students. The SKA fund can also assist with the costs of international education.
- Housing Benefits: Permanent residence in the United Kingdom may also provide you with access to housing benefits such as the private rented sector deposit guarantee scheme or social rent. Local governments offer a variety of benefits and assistance, including assistance with rent payments. Obtaining permanent residence in the United Kingdom is an excellent way to enjoy the rights and benefits of living in the country. You can live, work, and travel freely, as well as use healthcare services and bring your family to the country. Furthermore, after one year, you can apply for British citizenship and receive various social security benefits.
Requirements to get PR in UK for Indian Students
The requirements for an Indian to get a PR UK can be divided into 2 sections. The first section consists of only working, implying that the person has only been there for work. The second section includes students who have gone to the UK to complete or pursue their Master’s Degree and are now looking to apply for PR there. Now I’ll explain both scenarios, as well as the documents and procedures that are required.
What are the eligibility criteria for PR in the UK for International Students?
To be eligible for PR in the UK after completing your master’s degree, you must first have a valid visa and meet the financial requirements for your visa type. The following requirements must be met in order for international students to be eligible for PR in the UK. So, let’s take a look at the UK PR process!
- For five years, you will live and work in the United Kingdom.
- Your job must meet the salary requirements, and you must be paid more than the following:
- £25,600 per year
- £20,480 per year (when earning less)
- £10.10 per hour
- The ‘going rate’ for the job you’re doing.
- Must work for one of the Home Office’s approved employers.
- You must be required for your job and continue to meet the salary requirements even after you have been granted indefinite leave to remain. Your employer must provide documentation to prove this.
- You will have to take the “Life in the UK Test” if you are aged between 18 to 64 years.
- Complete an English qualification at the B1 level of the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) or a degree taught in English to meet the English language requirements.
Document Requirements for UK Public Relations
The documents listed below may be required to obtain a UK PR.
- your employer’s certificate of sponsorship reference number
- proof of your English Proficiency.
- a valid passport or other documents proving your identity and nationality.
- Your job title and annual salary.
- The occupation code for your job.
- Your sponsorship certificate will include your employer’s name and sponsor license number.
How to Get PR in the UK After Study?
How can an Indian obtain PR in the United Kingdom? Now that we’ve covered the eligibility criteria for UK PR after study, let’s look at the UK PR process for international students. The application process for UK PR for students is straightforward and can be completed by following the steps outlined below:
- Examine all of the requirements for PR in the UK after studying.
- Choose the appropriate application type and complete the application online.
- If you are a work permit holder, dependent of a work permit holder, businessperson, innovator, investor, Tier 1 migrant, Tier 2 migrant, self-employed lawyer, writer, composer or artist, UK ancestry, etc., you will use the SET (O) application.
- If you want to stay in the UK as a partner or parent of a child who is already here, you must fill out form SET (M).
- You must begin filling out your application for permanent residency in the UK no later than 28 days before the end of your qualifying period.
- Within this application, you will find an application for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), which must also be completed.
- In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, submit the above-mentioned documents, as well as the ones listed below, to apply for PR in the UK using the form SET (O).
- Recent pay stubs demonstrate that you are paid at or above the appropriate rate for settling in the UK.
- Details of your personal bank account or building society statement, including your name, account number, statement date, financial institution name, and transactions by the sponsor.
- Recent passport-size photographs, each with your full name written on the back.
- Then, carefully fill out the form’s personal history section.
- After reading the declaration form, sign it.
- If you use the standard services, you will receive your application decision within 3-8 weeks.
What is the difference between Post-Study Work Visa and PR?
The Post-Study Work Visa (now known as the Graduate Route) is a visa category that allows international students who have completed their studies at a UK higher education institution to stay and work in the UK for a specified period after graduation. This visa, allows graduates to stay in the UK for up to two years (or three years for doctoral graduates) after finishing their studies. Its goal is to give students the opportunity to gain work experience in the UK and help them advance in their careers.
Permanent Residency (PR): In the United Kingdom, Permanent Residency (PR), also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), is a long-term immigration status that allows an individual to live and work in the country indefinitely. PR is a significant achievement that grants individuals rights comparable to those of British citizens, such as access to public services and the ability to work without visa restrictions.
In summary, the Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route) is a temporary visa that allows international graduates to work in the United Kingdom for a limited time after finishing their studies. Permanent Residency, on the other hand, is a long-term immigration status that indicates settlement and offers greater stability and rights in the United Kingdom. While the Post-Study Work Visa does not directly lead to permanent residency, it can serve as a stepping stone for graduates to explore other paths that may eventually lead to permanent residency.
What is the role of Admissify?
Admissify continues to be a dependable and complete platform dedicated to assisting Indian students in obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) in the United Kingdom in 2023. Admissify’s multifaceted approach encompasses a range of individualized services tailored to maximize success in the PR application process, with an unwavering commitment to addressing the evolving needs of Indian applicants. Admissify empowers students to navigate the complex UK immigration landscape with confidence by providing meticulous guidance and attention to detail. Their knowledgeable advisors provide invaluable assistance, keeping applicants up to date on the most recent visa regulations, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements. Other than that, Admissify’s assistance travels further than the application, including language proficiency exams, financial planning, and cultural adaptation assistance. Admissify serves as a steadfast ally for Indian students aspiring to secure Permanent Residency in the UK by fostering an integrated and strategic approach, ensuring that their dreams of international permanence are achieved with care and precision.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom is a shining example of excellence for Indian students seeking a world-class education and a multicultural experience. Studying in the United Kingdom, which is known for its prestigious universities, cutting-edge facilities, and diverse academic disciplines, opens doors to personal growth and a global perspective. The possibility of obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) in the UK is a significant benefit for Indian students. The Post-Study Work Visa, now known as the Graduate Route, provides an excellent opportunity for international graduates to stay and work for up to two years, thereby advancing their careers. This is one of the main reasons why PR in the UK has become an appealing option for Indian students.
Choosing the UK for PR for an Indian has numerous advantages, including the possibility of obtaining British citizenship, entry rights, access to high-quality education and employment opportunities, and the ability to bring family members with you. Furthermore, social security benefits, healthcare access, and educational benefits for your children highlight the comprehensive benefits of obtaining PR. Meeting specific criteria such as residence duration, salary requirements, and English proficiency are all part of the process. For a successful application, meticulous document submission is required. As of 2023, the United Kingdom remains a top destination for Indian students, promising academic excellence and a possible path to a rewarding future through PR. For Indian students interested in PR in the UK, this path holds enormous promise for a prosperous and culturally enriching future.
Avinash Singh is a study abroad consultant with over 10 years of experience helping students achieve their academic goals. He is an expert in the US, Australian, German, and Canadian education systems and has helped hundreds of students secure admission to top universities around the world. In his spare time, Avinash enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his family. He is also an avid reader and loves to learn new things.
