LONDON: The UK government has announced a major overhaul of its immigration and permanent settlement system, increasing the standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to 10 years for most migrants under a new policy titled Earned Settlement.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the reforms on November 2, 2026, setting out a new framework under which migrants will have to demonstrate their economic contribution, good character and commitment to British society before qualifying for permanent residency.
Under the proposed system, most migrants earning less than £50,000 annually will have to complete 10 years of residence before becoming eligible for settlement. However, individuals making higher economic contributions will be able to qualify sooner under different eligibility categories.
The new framework will provide a three-year settlement route for the highest earners, including individuals earning more than £125,000 annually, while migrants earning more than £50,000 will generally be eligible after five years.
Certain professionals working in essential public services, including doctors, nurses and teachers, will also retain access to the five-year settlement pathway.
The government has announced a special arrangement for eligible health and social care workers earning at least £25,000 annually. Those who meet the relevant visa conditions and transitional eligibility requirements will be able to retain their five-year route to permanent residency.
Under the new rules, obtaining permanent settlement will no longer depend primarily on the length of time spent in Britain. Applicants will also have to demonstrate a strong command of English, maintain a record of National Insurance contributions and have no outstanding debts to the British taxpayer.
A clean criminal record will also become a mandatory condition for settlement applications.
The reforms introduce particularly strict requirements for individuals who have breached immigration rules. Such applicants could face a minimum qualifying period of 20 years before becoming eligible for permanent residency.
People who entered the UK through clandestine routes, including small boat crossings, could face an even longer wait of up to 30 years under the new arrangements, depending on their circumstances and immigration status.
The government has also introduced conditions for migrants who have received public financial assistance. Certain applicants will be required to demonstrate five continuous years without relying on state benefits before applying for settlement.
The new policy also distinguishes between refugees arriving through approved safe and legal routes and those entering through other channels. Refugees admitted through government-approved routes will be able to qualify for settlement after five years, while different and longer qualifying periods will apply to others.
According to the UK government, the reforms are expected to affect more than 500,000 people who would otherwise have qualified for settlement after five years, potentially delaying their applications.
The government says the new system is intended to ensure that permanent residency is earned through economic contribution, compliance with immigration laws and integration into British society.
The announcement is expected to have significant implications for thousands of Pakistani nationals and other migrant communities living and working in the United Kingdom.
The reforms are expected to be implemented during 2027. However, certain groups, including British National (Overseas) visa holders from Hong Kong, members of the armed forces and people covered by legacy routes such as Windrush, will retain their existing settlement pathways.
Source: UK Home Office and Home Secretary’s statement to Parliament, November 2, 2026. GOV.UK+2
