Can You Get PR in the UK After Studying? A 2026 Guide for Nepalese Students

The United Kingdom (UK) is one of the most popular destinations for international students. 

A home to world-renowned universities, rich history, diverse culture, and picturesque landscapes, the UK offers international students, including Nepalese students, with high academic standards, strong research opportunities, and career prospects. 

For Nepalese students, the UK has been one of the top choices for higher studies, not only because of life during their student life, but also after their graduation.

The UK, unlike many countries, allows graduates to stay back after graduation for two to three years under the Graduate Route Visa to gain international work experience. 

After that, there are two prominent pathways that you can follow to gain Permanent Residency, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). 

Gaining the ILR will allow you to live, work, and study in the UK without time limits and become a stepping stone towards British citizenship.

Here is a quick guide on how you can get the ILR. 

The Graduate Route after Studies

The first and obvious step towards gaining a PR is studying in the UK. 

Choosing the right course and university is crucial as it affects your future career prospects. 

To help you with it, Goreto Educational Consultancy is here. 

After Graduation

Once you have completed your degree, you have to apply for the Graduate Route Visa. 

The Graduate Route Visa allows you to stay for 2 years after graduation, and for 3 years if you are a PhD holder. 

During this period, you will gain work experience, and your goal should be to secure a job with an employer who can sponsor you.

However, the thing to be aware of is that the time spent on a Student Visa or Graduate Route does not count towards ILR in the 5-year route. 

Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa 

Before your Graduate Route Visa ends, you have to switch to a Skilled Worker visa. 

The requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa are: 

• A job offer from a UK Home Office-licensed sponsor. 
• As of 2026, the minimum salary requirement is 33,400 British pounds.
• English Language proficiency must be at the B2 level. 

The skilled worker visa contributes towards PR. After 5 years on this visa, you are eligible to apply for ILR. 

Alternative: 10-year-long residence 

If by some misfortune you fail to get sponsored, the 10-year-long Residence route is an alternative path for ILR.  

Under this, you must live legally in the UK for 10 continuous years on any valid visa. 

Your absence should not exceed 180 days in a year. 

Applying for the ILR 

These are the requirements for the ILR application: 

• Continuous Residence 

You must have lived in the UK for 5 years on a qualifying visa. 

Or, 10 years under long residence rule, any legal stay, including student and graduate visas. 

• Absence Rules 

No more than 180 days outside the UK in a year. 

• Life in the UK test 

You have to take a mandatory test about British history, culture, and society. 

• English Language Requirement 

You must prove English skills at B1 or higher on the CEFR scale.

• Financial Stability 

You must not have breached immigration laws and should not have relied on public funds at any point. 

Depending on your visa type, you might be asked to present proof of income or employment. 

• Good character 

You should have good character and must not have been involved in any kind of serious criminal offense or immigration breaches.

Documents required for ILR Application 

A list of documents required for ILR Application:

• Valid passport and Biometric Residence Permit 
• Proof of residence in the UK (includes bills, tenancy agreements, and employer letters) 
• Employment details and salary slips (when applying under the work route) 
• English test certificate or degree taught in English 
• Life in the UK Test pass certificate
• Travel history records (to prove absence limits)

The processing time for ILR is usually up to 6 months.

Tips for Nepalese Students Aiming for PR 

Here are a few tips for Nepalese aiming for PR in the UK:

• Choose your course wisely.

Carefully choose the course you want to pursue, considering your academic strengths, interests, as well as the demand of the job market.

It is advised to pick out courses in sectors such as IT, healthcare, and engineering. 

• Use the Graduate Route smartly. 

During the 2 years of your Graduate Route, focus on building employable skills, gathering experience, building a strong resume, and networking. 

Apply to licensed sponsors as quickly as possible. 

• Stay updated

The immigration laws in the UK are constantly changing. 

So, keep up with the UK Home Office Updates. 

• Plan finances

Focus on getting jobs that are full-time and offer financial stability rather than just focusing on making money. 

You should also be prepared for higher salary requirements when applying for work visas. 

• Avoid visa gaps 

Always maintain a valid immigration status to keep your ILR path safe. 

Things you should be aware of 

The immigration rules in the UK are changing, and some you should be aware of as a Nepali student aspiring to study and build a future in the UK are: 

• The Graduate Route may be reduced to 18 months. 
• The threshold salary for the Skilled Worker Visa might be increased. 
• English Language Requirements for work visas and dependents might get stricter. 
• Future reforms may make ILR harder by extending the qualifying period from 5 to 10 years for most applicants. 

Taking the first step with Goreto 

The first step to this long plan is navigating the process of applying for higher studies in the UK. 

Goreto Educational Consultancy is one of the leading educational consultancies in Nepal, helping students to reach their goal of studying abroad. 

We help you every step of the way, from deciding where and what to study to helping you devise long-term plans after graduation. 

At Goreto, some of the services we offer are: 

• University and College Selection 
• Test Preparation Support 
• Application and SOP Assistance 
• Scholarship and Financial Guidance 
• Visa Interview Preparation 
• Visa Appointment Support 
• Pre-Departure Orientation 

Still unsure? Book a FREE consultation with our counselors.

Also, check out Study in UK from Nepal.