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Visa routes

Do Student and Graduate visas count towards settlement?

Temporary routes stay temporary under Earned Settlement. Here is what that means if you are studying or on a Graduate visa.

Last reviewed 4 November 2026Based on the Government response CP 1707

Routes that do not count

Under Earned Settlement, time on these temporary routes will not count towards settlement:

  • Student and Child Student
  • Graduate
  • High Potential Individual
  • Youth Mobility Scheme
  • Global Business Mobility
  • Temporary Worker and Seasonal Worker
  • Overseas Domestic Worker
  • Ukraine schemes
  • Visit

Why it matters

Under the current system, time on these routes could count towards the 10-year Long Residence route. That route is closing, so these years will no longer help you reach settlement. See Long Residence.

See which pathway applies to you, and your earliest estimated date.

Check my pathway

What to do

Your settlement clock starts when you move onto a qualifying route, such as Skilled Worker. From there:

  • 10 years is the default
  • 5 years if you earn £50,271 or more for 3 of 5 years, or work in a qualifying public service job
  • 3 years if you earn £125,141 or more for 3 of 4 years

See Skilled Worker and ILR.

Questions and answers

I have been in the UK 8 years as a student and graduate. Can I still use Long Residence?

Long Residence is closing. If you are close to qualifying under the current rules, speak to a regulated adviser urgently about timing.

Does a PhD count?

Time on the Student route, including doctoral study, does not count towards settlement under Earned Settlement.

This is not legal advice. This guide explains the Government’s published proposals for Earned Settlement, which are not yet in force and may change. For advice on your own situation, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor, or check GOV.UK. Read our full disclaimer.