New 10-Year Settlement Rule for International Students: Starts from the Date of Entry to the UK

Introduction

The UK government has confirmed an important change to how the 10-year settlement period is calculated for international students and Skilled Worker Visa holders. From 2025, the 10 years required for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will count from the date of first entry to the UK, not from when the applicant switches to the Skilled Worker Visa.

This change benefits international students who have already spent several years in the UK studying or working after graduation.

What Is the 10-Year Settlement Route?

The 10-year long-residence route allows individuals who have lived lawfully and continuously in the UK for ten years to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Once granted, ILR provides the right to live, work, and study in the UK without time restrictions.

What Has Changed

Old rule:
The 10 years were counted from the date you first received a qualifying visa such as the Skilled Worker Visa.

New rule (2025 onwards):
The 10 years now start from the date you first entered the UK, even if you were on a Student Visa or another valid immigration route.

This means that years spent as a Student, Graduate Visa holder, or on other lawful visas will now count towards your total settlement period.

Who Benefits

• International students who have studied in the UK for several years
• Post-Study Work (PSW) visa holders who later switch to the Skilled Worker Visa
• Long-term residents who maintained lawful status through different visa types

This adjustment recognises the contribution of international students and helps them build a faster, clearer pathway to permanent settlement.

What It Means for Skilled Worker Applicants

If you studied in the UK before switching to the Skilled Worker route, those years will now count towards your 10-year total. For example:

• 3 years on a Student Visa
• 2 years on a Graduate Visa
• 5 years on a Skilled Worker Visa

You would become eligible for ILR after completing this 10-year combined period.

What Stays the Same

You must still meet the ILR requirements, including:

• Continuous lawful residence in the UK for 10 years
• No long absences (usually not more than 180 days in any 12-month period)
• Passing the Life in the UK Test
• Meeting the English language requirement

Conclusion

The new 10-year settlement rule starting from the date of entry to the UK makes it easier for international students and graduates to work towards permanent residency. Time spent on Student or Graduate Visas now contributes to ILR, creating a clearer path from education to long-term settlement in the UK.

Take the Next Step

Not sure how this new rule affects your settlement timeline? Our advisors can help you calculate your eligibility and plan your next visa step.

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