As an international student, I have found the UK to become my home throughout my years of study, now completing my masters degree graduation day is drawing ever closer. My plan has always been to remain in the UK after my studies, as I have built a life here, but after the shock decision for Britain to leave the EU I have been worried about the prospect of doing so.
Many international students have chosen to complete their studies in different countries after Brexit was confirmed, claiming that the UK has in fact become much more hostile in regards to different countries. Although this is something that I have not experienced myself, I can also gage this sense and respect people’s decisions to do so.
So, Brexit is happening… what does this mean for us international students who are seeking to remain in the UK after graduation. I have been doing some research and have found all of the different ways to retain citizenship after Brexit.
If you have been living in the UK for 5 years or more, then you can look to begin the British Naturalisation process, which means that you can begin the process to become a British citizen. This is great for international students who have extended courses of four or more years, or those who have continued their studies to go into higher education.
Collectively international students bring in £26billion for the UK economy every year, so it is only right that if we choose to stay, there should be a process which allows this to become a reality.
The policies for international study, for immigration and emigration are yet to be confirmed, and it’s true that we are currently in a period of uncertainty when it comes to the position we will be in in 2019. Until then, it remains true that the naturalisation process is available to international students who remain in the UK after graduation.
