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On 20 November 2025, the UK Government introduced plans to overhaul the settlement system for migrants, representing one of the most significant proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in recent years. The Home Secretary outlined a new “earned settlement” model which, if implemented, would replace the longstanding five-year route with a far more conditional framework centred on contribution, character, integration and residence.
These proposals are currently subject to a public consultation running until 12 February 2026. No immigration rules have changed yet; however, the Government’s intentions make it clear that the future of settlement in the UK is likely to become more demanding and more selective. Below, our immigration solicitors provide a detailed examination of what the Government has proposed and what it could mean for individuals, families and employers.

A New Baseline for Settlement: From Five Years to Ten

At the heart of the Government’s proposal is the plan to extend the residence requirement for most ILR applicants from five years to ten. Under this new “earned settlement” structure, settlement would no longer be assumed after a fixed period. Instead, applicants would need to show sustained contribution to the UK, compliance with immigration rules and good character throughout their stay.
The consultation proposes that applicants must demonstrate continuous National Insurance contributions, a clean criminal record, no outstanding debts owed to public bodies, and an ability to speak English at a higher B2 level. Failing any one of these conditions could prevent a person from achieving settlement, even if they have lived lawfully in the UK for the full ten years.
The Government has indicated that the separate ten-year Long Residence route may be removed entirely. Instead, long residence would be absorbed into the new baseline and adjusted according to contribution criteria.

Accelerated Settlement for High Earners and Global Talent Applicants

While most applicants would face a longer qualifying period, the Government is also proposing accelerated routes for individuals who meet specific contribution thresholds. Those earning taxable income above £125,140 for three consecutive years could potentially qualify for settlement after only three years. Applicants earning between £50,270 and £125,140 may be able to obtain settlement after five years, effectively maintaining the timeline that exists under the current system.

In addition, individuals on certain high-skill routes, such as the Global Talent Visa or the Innovator Founder Visa, may continue to benefit from fast-tracked settlement where they meet the required contribution and suitability standards. Public service professionals such as doctors, nurses and teachers are expected to retain an effective five-year pathway.

These proposals create a clearer divide between individuals working in high-earning or high-skill sectors and those in lower-paid or frontline roles.

Longer Routes for Lower-Paid Occupations

A major feature of the proposed reforms is the extended qualifying period for workers in lower-paid roles. Migrants sponsored in occupations below RQF Level 6, including many health and social care roles, may face a standard residence requirement of fifteen years before becoming eligible for settlement. This pathway could be extended even further if the applicant receives public funds at any point, with the consultation suggesting that one period of benefit use could add five years, and longer-term reliance could add ten years.

For some individuals, particularly those with periods of unemployment, caring responsibilities or illness, settlement could become a twenty-year journey. Those who entered the UK irregularly or overstayed may face even longer timelines, potentially up to thirty years before they are eligible to apply for ILR.
The result is a system where settlement is closely tied to financial contribution, income stability and immigration history.

Impact on Family Members and Household Planning

The proposed changes extend beyond primary applicants to include their family members. Although the partner of a British citizen is expected to remain on an effective five-year route, dependants of migrant workers may face separate qualifying periods based on their own contribution, English language ability and compliance with immigration conditions.

This raises important questions for households where one partner pauses work due to childcare, study or health reasons. Under the new system, a dependant with limited earnings or a break in employment may reach settlement later than the main applicant. The consultation also signals a shift in how children’s settlement is assessed, particularly those approaching adulthood, with residence and integration playing a greater role.

Families may therefore need to engage in more careful immigration planning to ensure that all members are able to progress towards settlement.

What the Proposals Mean for Employers

Employers who recruit overseas workers will need to prepare for meaningful changes to the long-term offer they can make to prospective candidates. For many roles, especially those at lower salary levels, the loss of the five-year ILR pathway may make recruitment more challenging. A ten- or fifteen-year journey to permanent residence may deter applicants, particularly in sectors where wages are modest and career progression is gradual.

Additionally, longer qualifying periods place employers under greater operational pressure in terms of compliance. Sponsorship relationships may span over a decade, increasing the need for robust HR systems to manage right-to-work checks, visa renewals, changes in circumstances and potential benefit triggers. Organisations may also see increased demand for immigration support as employees seek guidance on how job changes, reduced hours or personal circumstances affect their settlement timelines.

Senior-level recruitment may benefit from the introduction of accelerated routes, allowing employers to position fast-track settlement as an incentive for high-value candidates.

Who Is Not Affected by the Proposed Changes?

The Government has confirmed that certain groups will remain outside the scope of the reforms. Individuals who already hold ILR will not lose their rights, and the proposals will not affect those with status under the EU Settlement Scheme, Windrush cases, or specific protection routes.

However, for migrants planning to apply for ILR in or after 2026, the proposed changes could significantly alter their expectations and long-term plans.

Potential Changes to ILR Entitlements

Another area under consultation is the proposal to restrict access to public funds for some ILR holders, applying a No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition at the point of settlement. This would create a clearer legal distinction between ILR and British citizenship, with full access to benefits increasingly linked to naturalisation.
The Government has emphasised that this change would not be applied retrospectively, meaning those who obtain ILR before the reforms come into force would retain their current entitlements.

Where the Consultation Stands Now

The proposals remain at consultation stage, and no changes have yet been implemented. The final rules may evolve following parliamentary scrutiny and public feedback. Transitional arrangements may be introduced, but the Government has not clarified what these may look like, leaving many applicants uncertain about the timing and impact of future changes.

Given the scale of these reforms, migrants, families and employers are encouraged to seek professional immigration advice to understand how the proposed system might affect them.

How Our Immigration Solicitors Can Help

At Murria Solicitors, our experienced immigration team is closely monitoring the consultation process and advising clients on the potential impact of the proposed changes. Whether you are planning to apply for ILR soon, considering your long-term route to settlement, or supporting employees through the immigration system, we can provide clear, strategic and tailored advice.

Our solicitors can help you:

• Understand how the proposed reforms may affect your eligibility
• Maximise your chances of securing ILR under the current rules
• Plan for the contribution-based system
• Prepare strong ILR, long residence, Global Talent or family applications
• Support employers navigating sponsorship and workforce planning

Contact Us for Expert ILR and Settlement Advice

If you would like expert advice on how these proposed ILR reforms may affect you, your family or your workforce, our specialist UK immigration solicitors are here to help.