The UK government has announced a major overhaul of settlement rules. Under the proposed “earned settlement” model—expected to come into force from 2026—Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will shift from a predictable five-year route to a more complex, merit-based system.
Applicants will be assessed on their contribution, integration, character, and compliance. Settlement will become something to be earned, not simply obtained through time spent in the UK.
The consultation is open until 12 February 2026, but the framework is already clear. This guide explains what is changing, who is affected, and how applicants can prepare.
What Is Changing Under the New UK ILR System?
The current 5-year ILR norm will be replaced with a flexible 10-year baseline qualifying period, adjusted up or down depending on:
- Character
- Integration
- Economic contribution
- Residence and compliance
Migrants will no longer settle automatically based on time alone. Instead, the Home Office will assess how individuals contribute to the UK and follow immigration rules.
The Four Core Pillars of the New ILR System
1. Character
Applicants must have:
- No criminal convictions
- No immigration breaches
- No NHS or government debt
- No outstanding tax liabilities
The Home Office is reviewing criminality thresholds and may bar settlement for minor offences.
2. Integration
Applicants will need to:
- Demonstrate English at B2 level
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
Reductions may apply for:
- English at C1 level
- Verified community involvement
3. Contribution
A central new requirement is economic contribution. This includes:
- Taxable income
- Role type and sector
- Public service occupation
- Community work
High earners and high-skilled workers will benefit most from reductions.
4. Residence
Continuous lawful residence remains essential, but residence alone is no longer enough to qualify for ILR.
Mandatory Requirements Under the New ILR System
Below is the updated table with HTML code for direct use:
Mandatory ILR Requirements
How the New ILR Qualifying Period Works
The proposed baseline is:
10 years to settlement
This may be reduced or extended depending on contribution, integration, or breaches.
Reductions to the ILR Qualifying Period
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Increases to the ILR Qualifying Period
Only the largest increase applies—and it overrules any reductions.
Impact on Skilled Workers and Lower-Paid Roles
Skilled Workers
Current rule: ILR after 5 years
Proposed rule: 10-year baseline with reductions available mainly for high earners or high-skilled workers.
Lower-Paid or RQF Level 3–5 Occupations
Lower-paid roles may see:
- Longer pathways (potentially 15 years)
- Limited access to income-based reductions
- Higher risk of qualifying period increases
This represents a strategic shift toward high-skilled migration.
Dependants: Significant Changes Ahead
Dependants will no longer automatically qualify for ILR with the main applicant.
Key changes:
- Adult dependants must meet their own contribution and integration standards
- Children turning 18 may need to transition to their own ILR route
- Limited grace provisions may apply for children close to settlement
- Special safeguards remain for long-resident children without status
This could lead to families settling at different times.
Transitional Arrangements (Still Under Review)
The Home Office is exploring whether protections should apply to:
- Migrants already partway through 5-year ILR routes
- Applicants close to meeting current ILR requirements
- Long-term residents on 10-year family routes
No final decisions have been made.
Who Will Benefit Under the Earned Settlement Model?
Groups likely to benefit:
- High earners (£50,270–£125,140+)
- Highly skilled workers (Global Talent, Innovator Founder)
- Public service workers
- BN(O) route migrants
- Family route applicants meeting core criteria
- Individuals with strong English and community ties
Groups likely to face challenges:
- Lower-paid workers
- Anyone who has accessed public funds
- Applicants with compliance issues
- Dependants not in work or education
- Skilled workers expecting 5-year ILR
Planning ahead will become essential.
How Applicants Can Prepare Now
- Strengthen income levels where possible
- Improve English language to C1
- Avoid immigration breaches entirely
- Maintain evidence of tax, earnings, residence and compliance
- Engage in measurable community or voluntary activity
Conclusion
The earned settlement system represents the most significant reform to ILR in decades. Settlement will become more dependent on:
- Economic contribution
- Integration
- Compliance
- Long-term commitment to the UK
While details will be finalised after the consultation closes in February 2026, the direction is clear: qualifying for ILR will become more demanding and more closely tied to contribution.
