New Proposals on Settlement in the UK

New Proposals on Settlement in the UK announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood:

The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has announced new proposals regarding how migrants can earn settlement in the United Kingdom. The qualifying period for settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), will be extended from five to ten years and will apply to an estimated 2.6 million people who arrived since 2021.

The consultation document, titled “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement: A statement and accompanying consultation on earned settlement,” outlines these proposals, which will significantly affect many migrants’ pathways to settlement. Mahmood stated that becoming part of the UK is “not a right but a privilege and one that must be earned.” The consultation is open until 11:59 pm on 12 February 2026.

Earlier this year, the government announced plans to double the qualifying period for permanent settlement to 10 years, with reductions for those making a strong contribution to British life.

What is Settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK?

Settlement, or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allows an individual to live in the UK permanently, work without restrictions, and access public services. Once an individual has obtained ILR, the next step is often to apply for British Citizenship.

Under the current system, settlement is typically granted after five years in the UK, which allows individuals access to public funds. This includes those who arrived on economic routes, such as Skilled Worker visas, as well as family and humanitarian routes.

To ensure Settlement is earned, new criteria will be added – which will act as a disqualifying bar for those who do not meet them.

1. The applicant must have a clean criminal record.
2. The applicant must speak English to A-Level standard.
3. The applicant must have made sustained National Insurance contributions.
4. The applicant must have no debt in this country.

Key Proposals:

• Scrapping the Long Residence Route
• Increasing the qualifying period for Skilled Workers from 5 years to 10 years
• Increasing the qualifying period to 15 years for Skilled Workers in roles below RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree)
• Enforcing the “No Recourse to Public Funds” condition at settlement

Reductions for Contribution to British Life:

• Migrants on Global Talent or Innovator Founder visas for at least three years could qualify for settlement after three years (a seven-year reduction from the 10-year baseline)
• Migrants making National Insurance contributions will receive settlement after 10 years, but higher and additional rate taxpayers will benefit from reduced periods in recognition of their contribution
• Discounts for integration, including speaking English to a high standard and volunteering
• Illegal migrants and visa overstayers could face up to 30 years before being eligible for settlement, removing the prospect of long-term residence and security in the UK
• Those in public services, such as doctors and nurses working in the NHS, will be able to settle after five years

These proposals do not affect:

• Individuals who already hold Indefinite Leave to Remain/settlement
• Parents, spouses, and dependants of British citizens
• Those under the EU Settlement Scheme
• Those under the Windrush Scheme
• Members of HM Forces and their family members
• Those on the Hong Kong (BNO) route

The government’s consultation on these proposals concludes at 11:59 pm on Thursday, 12 February 2026. The outcome will determine the new settlement system.