We believe people who have studied on at least a year long programme in the UK in the past 5 years and graduated, and have then worked for at least three years in the UK should be allowed to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) with their dependents.
This is envisioned to retain highly skilled immigrants in the country, a valuable workforce, without burdening them with a 5-year sponsored visa route to obtain ILR. Completing a rigorous 1-year minimum course of study in the UK, paying the required fees and successfully completing the rigour of world-renowned British universities' academic curriculum; and then working diligently as skilled workers for 3 years is in our view sufficient.
Government response
Settlement in the UK is a privilege. Those wishing to settle must show a contribution to the UK for a meaningful period, and we see no case to reduce the five year period required to demonstrate this.