Will time spent studying uni in UK be counted towards citizenship?

Question

Will the days spent studying a uni course in the UK for a non-British citizen be counted towards settlement and 5-year requirement for citizenship? I cannot find any information on this. I know other countries such as Australia count days studying a uni course for non-AUS/NZ citizens towards 5-year citizenship requirement, but not sure about UK?

Additional Details

Cannot one though apply for indefinite leave to remain after completing a course with sufficient work experience as skilled worker, e.g. after completing a MBChB medicine course with work experience on a student visa, then applying for ILR, especially if offered a job?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

No. Time spent on a student visa does not count towards the time for ILR. You could not move straight from a student visa to ILR. You could however move from a student visa to an International Graduates visa, for two years and then on to an ordinary Teir 1 or 2 visa for work, if you can obtain one. Which a high medical qualification and expertise in the right area that should not present too much difficulty. Eventually you would be eligible for ILR.

Answer 2

no. Not on a student visa.

Answer 3

No, the student visa is specifically designed to be temporary & you are expected to return home when it expires.

edit: you really need to seek expert advice from a solicitor who knows the ins & outs of immigration law

time spent in the UK on a student visa no matter what the circumstances doesn't count towards the eligibility period, if you have to do work experience as part of your course - is it covered under your student visa or go you need apply for a work visa to cover it? If you have to be granted a work visa to it, the countdown starts from the date its granted. If your student visa takes into account the fact your course includes work experience then it may not count.

Under current rules, there is a ten year rule, if you manage to spend ten years continuously in the UK studying (legally) then you become eligible to apply for ILR.

However, they're currently undergoing a consultation period with the aim of revising immigration laws which means it will take later to become eligible for ILR.

edit: if the work experience is completed as part of your course & you remain on a student visa it doesn't count.

Answer 4

no.

Answer 5

A student Visa is for 2 years during which you can work part time, if your university degree lasts longer than 2 years you can get an extension on the visa but during that time if you fail the degree exams you will be deported, Firstly you have to be accepted on a university course, then see you government to apply for costs towards the payment of the degree and then you need money to survive whilst in the UK as foreign students do not get benefits. Unemployment is high in the UK there is almost 3 million unemployed people and about 400 applicants for each job. Can you not do the same course in your own country or a country apart from Britain?