In May 2025, the UK government published an Immigration White Paper Restoring Control over the Immigration System May 2025 which proposes significant changes to the law on how migrants will settle (this means indefinite leave to remain) in the UK.
The White Paper proposed that settlement will no longer be granted automatically after a fixed period. Instead, migrants will need to earn it by demonstrating sustained good conduct, contribution to and integration in UK society. The standard period will move to a 10-year qualifying period, although some migrants will have to complete up to a 30-year qualifying period before they are granted indefinite leave to remain.
A Consultation Paper has now been published, “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement”, giving more details on this proposed new framework. The Government’s position is that individuals must demonstrate sustained compliance with immigration control, economic activity and alignment with British values to be eligible for settlement.
The new model proposes that the standard qualifying period for settlement will increase from 5 years to 10 years although there will be an opportunity to reduce this period based on a person’s contribution to the UK economy and society. The government has said that family members of British citizens, those migrants on the British National (Overseas) route and some public sector workers, together with EUSS migrants will not be subject to the extended qualifying period.
The Government has set out a short period of consultation on the new earned settlement proposals and this consultation period will close on the 15th of February 2026. They then plan to start implementing changes as from April 2026.
This is going to be a major change in Immigration Law. We are a very experienced team of Immigration Practitioners and will monitor these changes closely. If you are eligible for indefinite leave to remain now, then we would be happy to advise and assist in making an application for you before the changes comes into force. You can contact us here.
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