By our Reporter
The United Kingdom Government has confirmed plans to increase the standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to 10 years for most migrants under its new ‘earned settlement’ policy.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the final details of the policy in a statement to the House of Commons, explaining that the new system will determine how quickly migrants can obtain permanent residency based on their earnings, employment, integration and contributions to the country.
Under the new arrangements, migrants earning more than £50,000 annually and those working in certain public service professions, including doctors, nurses and teachers, will retain a five-year settlement route.
Meanwhile, individuals earning above £125,000 and those admitted through the UK’s highest talent schemes will be eligible to apply after three years. Others earning below £50,000 will face a 10-year qualifying period.
Applicants will also be required to demonstrate a high standard of English, have no criminal record, clear outstanding debts owed to the government and provide evidence of at least three years of National Insurance contributions.
Mahmood further announced that refugees arriving through new safe and legal routes will qualify for settlement after five years, while those who entered illegally could face waiting periods of up to 30 years. However, refugees who enter employment or education may reduce their qualifying period by 10 years.
On transitional arrangements, the Home Secretary confirmed that eligible social care workers already in the UK who have complied with their visa conditions, including earning at least £25,000 annually in the sector, will retain their existing five-year route.
Similar concessions will apply to certain public-sector healthcare and education workers, including auxiliary nurses.
The transitional arrangements will, however, apply only to individuals who joined the relevant immigration routes before the Government published its Immigration White Paper in May 2025.
