If you are planning to come to the UK on a student visa for higher education but are unsure how this visa can eventually lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), then this guide is for you. Many international students want to stay in the UK after completing their studies, but understanding the visa pathways can be confusing.
This article will explain:
The different visa routes available after your student visa
How to transition from a student visa to a Skilled Worker Visa or a business visa
The requirements and timeline for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Understanding the UK Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa
Once you complete your Master’s degree in the UK, you automatically become eligible for a 2-year Post-Study Work (PSW) visa. This visa allows you to stay in the UK and work without needing employer sponsorship.
During these two years, you have a critical opportunity to plan your future visa strategy. The PSW visa itself does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), but it gives you time to either:
Find a job that offers a Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2 sponsorship)
Start your own business and later apply for self-sponsorship
Now, let’s break down each of these options in detail.
Option 1: Transitioning to a Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2 Sponsorship)
The Skilled Worker Visa (previously known as Tier 2) is the most common route for international students who wish to stay in the UK long-term. However, getting sponsored by a UK employer is not always easy.
Eligibility for the Skilled Worker Visa
To qualify, you must:
✅ Have a job offer from a UK employer who is licensed to sponsor visas.
✅ Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
✅ Meet the minimum salary requirement (£26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour for most jobs)
✅ Prove your English language proficiency (your UK degree usually fulfills this requirement)
Challenges in Finding Tier 2 Sponsorship
While many students aim for the Skilled Worker Visa, there are some challenges:
Many UK employers prefer hiring candidates with work experience (typically 3-5 years)
Some employers don’t want to deal with visa sponsorship paperwork
The job role must be on the UK’s shortage occupation list or meet the required salary threshold
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Sponsored
To increase your chances of getting a Tier 2 sponsorship job, follow these steps:
🔹 Start applying for jobs early (ideally, 6-12 months before your PSW visa expires)
🔹 Target companies that are already sponsoring international employees
🔹 Make your CV ATS-friendly (Applicant Tracking System) and tailored for UK employers
🔹 Apply to multiple jobs per month (at least 20-30 applications per week)
🔹 Utilize LinkedIn and recruitment agencies to find sponsorship opportunities
Many students who struggle to find a Skilled Worker Visa sponsor fail because they:
❌ Apply too late (waiting until the last 3-6 months of their PSW visa)
❌ Don’t optimize their CVs for ATS and UK job market standards
❌ Apply to companies that don’t sponsor visas
If you manage to secure a Skilled Worker Visa, you can work in the UK for up to 5 years, after which you become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Option 2: Starting Your Own Business and Self-Sponsorship
If you cannot find a company to sponsor your Skilled Worker Visa, another option is to start your own business and later apply for self-sponsorship. This method allows you to stay in the UK while being your own boss.
How Self-Sponsorship Works
Set up a UK-based business (a limited company registered with Companies House)
Hire at least one UK-based employee
Meet the salary threshold for sponsorship (£26,200 per year)
Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa under your own company
Self-sponsorship allows you to stay in the UK without depending on an employer. However, it does require effort and initial investment. You must prove that your business is legitimate, profitable, and capable of sponsoring a visa.
Option 3: Innovator Founder Visa for Entrepreneurs
If you have an innovative business idea, you might qualify for the Innovator Founder Visa. This is another pathway to ILR for those who want to launch a startup in the UK.
Requirements for the Innovator Founder Visa
💡 Your business idea must be new, innovative, and scalable
💡 You must get endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body
💡 You should have at least £20,000 - £30,000 in investment funds to start your business.
Timeline for ILR via Innovator Founder Visa
Stay in the UK for 3 years on this visa
If your business succeeds, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, which requires 5 years for ILR, the Innovator Founder Visa allows you to apply for settlement in just 3 years.
Key Considerations for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
To qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, you must:
✅ Have lived in the UK for 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa (or 3 years on an Innovator Founder Visa)
✅ Not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK per year
✅ Pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement
Important Points About ILR and PSW Visa
❌ The 2 years on the PSW visa do NOT count towards the 5-year ILR requirement
❌ It is crucial to switch to a valid visa category as soon as possible
Many students waste their PSW time and delay switching to a Skilled Worker Visa, which extends their ILR timeline unnecessarily.
Final Advice: Plan Your Visa Route Early
If you are currently on a UK student visa, here’s what you should do:
🔹 Start planning your post-study visa route before graduation
🔹 Build work experience and relevant skills while studying
🔹 Network with employers who sponsor Tier 2 visas
🔹 Consider entrepreneurship and self-sponsorship if employment is difficult
The biggest mistake international students make is waiting until their PSW visa is about to expire before thinking about their next steps.
By planning early and strategically, you can transition smoothly from a student visa to a Skilled Worker Visa or business visa, and eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Need Expert Guidance? Book a Free Consultation!
Navigating the UK visa process can be complicated and overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone!
📌 We help international students with:
✔ Sponsorship job search & ATS-optimized CVs
✔ Tier 2 visa applications & employer connections
✔ Self-sponsorship & business setup
✔ ILR & long-term residency planning
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