Further details on the government's earned settlement proposals are expected to be announced this week by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Shabana Mahmood.
In May 2025, the government published its White Paper Restoring Control over the Immigration System May 2025 outlining significant changes to how migrants will settle (also known as indefinite leave to remain) in the UK. The proposals would require migrants to earn settlement by demonstrating sustained good conduct, contribution to, and integration in, UK society.
The subsequent Consultation Paper, A Fairer Pathway to Settlement was published giving more details on the proposed system. This detailed that the standard qualifying period for settlement will increase from 5 years to 10 years. 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 certain groups will be exempt from the longer qualifying period including family members of British citizens, those on the British National (Overseas) route and some public sector workers and EUSS migrants. Recent media reports have also suggested that there may be exemptions for migrants working in the social care sector.
The consultation period on the government’s earned settlement proposals closed in February 2026 and there has been little update since. The new Immigration Rules are anxiously awaited given they are expected to bring some of the most significant changes to UK immigration law in recent years.
Our experienced team of immigration practitioners will monitor developments in the law closely and we will continue to provide updates when they become available. If you would like advice on your route to settlement, then we would be happy to advise and assist. You can contact us here.
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