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The UK government has proposed significant changes to the pathway for migrants seeking permanent settlement. Under the new plans, individuals who are legally in the country could face an extended waiting period of up to 20 years before qualifying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). The current qualifying timeframe, which stands at five years for most visa holders, is set to be doubled to ten years, affecting approximately 1.6 million people who have arrived since 2021.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has emphasized that settling in the UK is “not a right but a privilege – and one that must be earned.” The proposed rules stipulate that those who have claimed benefits for less than 12 months would see their waiting period rise to 15 years, while individuals receiving benefits for longer than a year could be required to wait as long as 20 years to obtain permanent residency. It is important to note these changes will only impact new applicants; those who have already secured settlement will not be affected.
In a Commons statement, Mahmood acknowledged the crucial role migration plays in the UK’s development but highlighted the unprecedented scale of arrivals in recent years. Official Home Office data points to a net migration increase of 2.6 million people between 2021 and 2024. This surge is expected to drive a substantial rise in settlement applications over the coming years, with forecasts estimating around 1.6 million people will seek indefinite leave between 2026 and 2030.
Currently, most migrants holding work or family visas become eligible for settlement after five years. The new proposals would not only extend this period to ten years for the majority but also introduce longer qualifying times—up to 15 years—for specific groups such as those arriving under post-Brexit health and social care visas. Additionally, the government intends to implement an “earned settlement” scheme, which will require migrants to demonstrate social integration, economic contribution, and good character before being granted ILR. This status allows permanent residence in the UK, unrestricted work, access to public services, and serves as a key step toward British citizenship. A consultation on these proposed changes is open until 12 February
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