Following the Government’s publication of a White Paper, “Restoring control over the immigration system”, in May 2025 advising of proposed reforms to the Skilled Worker visa route, and the appointment of Shabana Mahmood MP as the new Home Secretary, the Home Office recently announced its proposal to introduce a new contribution-based settlement model to apply to work visa routes in the UK. The Home Secretary announced that the introduction of a new settlement model aims to reduce net migration, boost integration within the UK, and alleviate pressure on public services.
The most striking change within the new settlement model is the increase of the qualifying period for settlement from 5 to 10 years. The Home Secretary stated that the rationale behind doubling the qualifying period was to ensure applicants contribute to the economy and society before they are eligible to apply for settlement.
The new system is to also be contribution-based and may allow for applicants to reduce their qualifying period if they are able to satisfy specific earnings or integration requirements. Conversely, those applicants who have been non-compliant throughout their qualifying period may be required to wait a longer period before they can qualify for settlement or may have their applications refused on the basis of their non-compliance.
The Home Office’s plans to introduce a contribution-based model for settlement will be subject to a consultation, due to launch by the end of 2025 and which will be open for the public to contribute to. However, it is expected that the requirements for qualifying indefinite leave to remain under the new model may include the following conditions:
- being in employment
- making a specified level of National Insurance contributions
- not receiving benefits payments
- meeting a high standard of English language ability
- having a clean criminal record
- working within the local community, by way of “giving back”
If you would like any advice or assistance regarding your qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain then please do not hesitate to contact one of the experienced solicitors in our immigration team
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