Time spent in the UK on a Student visa or a Graduate visa will not count towards settlement under the government’s new “earned settlement” plans. That is the change that matters most for international students, set out by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on 2 November 2026 in the government’s consultation response, “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement”, which also closes the long residence route many students relied on.

Settlement, also called indefinite leave to remain, is the right to live and work in the UK without time limits. Today most migrants can apply after five years on a qualifying route. Under earned settlement, ten years becomes the starting point, with three years for an exceptional economic contribution — having earned £125,141 for three years — and five years for a strong contribution.

What exactly changes for students and graduates?

Two things. First, the government has listed Student and Graduate visas among the routes whose time will not count towards settlement at all, describing them as temporary routes. Second, it will close the long residence route, which today allows people who have lived in the UK lawfully for ten continuous years to apply for settlement, with years spent studying counting towards that total.

Universities and student groups have reacted. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) said the proposals would have a “significant and detrimental” effect on people who have poured time and money into their education in the UK, and more than 1,300 people, including international doctoral researchers, have signed a letter to the Home Secretary condemning the changes.

Can international students still settle in the UK?

In general terms, yes, but the route runs through a qualifying visa rather than through study itself. Time on a Student or Graduate visa does not count, so the settlement clock effectively starts when a person moves onto a route that does count, such as the Skilled Worker route.

None of this is law yet. What was published on 2 November is a policy decision, not a change to the Immigration Rules, which are expected to begin being laid from December 2026, with implementation during 2027. Precise dates remain unconfirmed. Rules change, so always check the official page before making decisions: GOV.UK — Home Secretary unveils new rules for migrants settling in the UK. This article explains the announcement; it is not personal immigration advice. Sources: Times Higher Education and GOV.UK.

Does time on a Student visa count towards settlement?

Not under the plans announced on 2 November 2026. The government’s response lists the Student route among those whose time will not count.

Does the Graduate visa count towards settlement?

No. The Graduate route is also on the list of routes that will not count, and closing the long residence route removes the old way of counting post-study years.

Is earned settlement law yet?

No. The government published its policy response on 2 November 2026, but the Immigration Rules still have to be amended, with implementation expected from December 2026 through 2027.