On 2 November 2026, the UK government presented its new “earned settlement” framework. The reform changes how people qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This status allows individuals to live permanently in the UK.
The government confirmed plans to increase the standard qualifying period from five to ten years. Faster pathways will recognise individual contributions.
Faster pathways and eligibility requirements
Under the announced framework, the highest earners could qualify after three years. People earning more than £50,271 could qualify after five years. Certain public service professionals, including doctors, nurses and teachers, could also qualify after five years.
Breaches of immigration rules could extend the qualifying period to at least twenty years.
Applicants will need to meet requirements covering character, English proficiency and outstanding government debt. They will also need to pass the Life in the UK Test and demonstrate sustained contributions. The new system will provide exemptions from certain requirements.
Protections for care workers and existing settlement holders
The government announced transitional arrangements for certain care workers. These cover workers who joined the route before the government published its May 2025 Immigration White Paper.
Eligible workers will retain a five-year pathway if they complied with their visa conditions and earned at least £25,000 annually. The government will offer other affected workers a further five-year visa before they become eligible for settlement.
The government also confirmed that existing settlement holders will retain their status under these reforms.
When will the changes take effect?
The announcement does not bring all the new requirements into force immediately.
According to the Home Secretary’s parliamentary statement, the government will lay the first rule changes from December 2026. It plans to implement the changes during 2027.
Detailed rules and transitional provisions will determine how the reforms affect individual applicants.