As a student
Studying in United Kingdom: how long to residence and citizenship
The thing a visa list won't tell you
The Graduate route drops to 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027 (36 months with a PhD), so the timing of your application matters.
Your ladder
- 3 years
Student permit
✓ counts toward citizenship
- 1.5 years
Graduate route
✓ counts toward citizenship
Permanent residence at
5 years
Citizenship assessed at
6 years
Still to serve after these rungs
1.5 years
Sources
- · Student route under the UK Immigration Rules; sponsored study with a licensed provider (2026)
- · Graduate route: 18 months for applications from 1 Jan 2027 (36 months for PhD holders)
- · Indefinite leave to remain after 5 years on a qualifying route (2026 rules as they stand)
- · Naturalisation generally 5 years' residence plus 12 months holding settled status
Keep going
- All study and work routes →
- Working in United Kingdom instead →
- How to find a regulated immigration lawyer in United Kingdom →
- What buying a home in United Kingdom actually costs →
Not immigration advice. Orientation only. Immigration rules change often and decisions are discretionary — nothing here is a promise of residence or citizenship. Check your case with a licensed immigration adviser. Rules reviewed 2026-07. (2026-07)