To become a naturalized British citizen, you must be older than 18 and legally reside in Britain for at least five years. During the five-year period, you must spend the majority of time in Britain--you cannot visit another country for more than 450 days total. In the last year of residency before becoming a citizen, you must not leave Britain for more than 90 days. If you marry a British citizen, you must legally reside in Britain for only three years prior to naturalization.
To enter the United Kingdom as a student, you must plan to study full-time in an approved UK program of study. Students may also apply for temporary permission to reside in Britain to complete a prerequisite to full-time study, such as an English as a Second Language course. However, these students must leave Britain at the end of the course and re-apply to enter as a full-time student.
To enter Britain as a student, you must submit proof of acceptance to an approved program of study--such as schools accredited by an authority approved by the UK Border Agency--and proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for the course. If you are getting financial aid, include this information as part of your demonstration of sufficient funds. You must have the funds in your bank account for 28 days prior to making your application. You must also submit two recent passport photographs as well as your passport.
Student immigrants are not allowed to work full-time in Britain, with the exception of required work placements to complete the approved course of study. Work placements must not exceed 50 percent of the student's stay in Britain. For example, if a student stays for four years in Britain, no more than two of those years may be spent completing a work placement requirement. Students may work for up to 20 hours per week while completing their course of study.
After completing a course of study, graduates may remain in Britain for up to two years on a post-study work placement visa. This immigration program is designed to encourage graduates to begin a career in Britain and perhaps stay permanently. To qualify, students must be proficient in English and be financially self-sufficient for at least three months before applying for this program. After beginning work, those who wish to stay in Britain for more than two years may apply for a permanent work visa.
