Following an initial announcement in the Earned Settlement White Paper in May 2025, the UK Government has announced what is expected to be the most significant reform of the UK’s legal migration system in nearly 50 years. The announcement concerns the opening of a consultation period for ‘earned settlement’ reforms.
The consultation is open for 12 weeks until February 12, 2026. It’s open to anyone who wishes to share their views, including individuals and organizations who may be affected by or have an interest in the proposed changes. The government plans to implement these changes from Spring 2026.
The consultation seeks responses on:
- How contribution and integration should be evidenced
- The proportionality of proposed reforms
- Treatment of dependants, children, and vulnerable groups
- Whether transitional arrangements should apply, and
- The impact on employers/sponsors, and educational institutions
The proposals will double the standard qualifying period for settlement from 5 to 10 years, with faster routes for high earners, industrial talents, innovative entrepreneurs, public service staff, and other key contributors, while low-paid workers, such as former health and social care visa holders face a 15-year baseline. Migrants who rely on benefits could wait 20 years, and illegal migrants or overstayers up to 30 years.
Settlement will be earned through a contribution-based model built on four pillars:
Character and conduct: For example, having a criminal conviction, non-compliance with immigration requirements, and other considerations.
Integration: Applicants need to demonstrate meaningful engagement with British society (higher level of English language requirement, Life in the UK test)
Contribution: A sustained and measurable economic contribution to the UK
Residence: Lawful, continuous residence in the UK (annual earnings, income tax NI contributions)
Based on these pillars, there will be an adjustment to baseline settlement qualifying periods. The following table is included in the Home Office consultation statements.
| Pillar | Attribute | Adjustment to baseline qualifying period |
|---|---|---|
| Integration | Applicant has competency in English language at C1 Level | Minus 1 year |
| Contribution | Applicant has earned a taxable income of £125,140 for 3 years immediately prior to applying for ILR | Minus 7 years |
| Contribution | Applicant has earned a taxable income of £50,270 for 3 years immediately prior to applying for ILR | Minus 5 years |
| Contribution | Applicant has been employed in a specified public service occupation for 5 years | Minus 5 years |
| Contribution | Applicant has worked in the community (volunteering, etc) | Minus 3-5 years |
| Entry and residence | Applicant holds a permission as the parent/partner/child of a British citizen and meets core family requirements – Not subject to consultation | Minus 5 years |
| Entry and residence | Applicant holds a permission granted under the British National Overseas route – Not subject to consultation | Minus 5 years |
| Entry and residence | Applicant has 3 years continuous residence as the holder of a permission as a Global Talent worker or Innovator Founder | Minus 7 years |
| Entry and residence | Acknowledgement of specific and vulnerable groups having a reduction | Subject to consultation |
Different considerations will increase the baseline qualifying period, for example, claiming public funds, arriving in the UK illegally, or entering on a visitor visa. The reforms will reward those who pay higher taxes, speak English to a high standard, volunteer, and work in public services. Access to public funds may be restricted until citizenship, and strict criminality checks will apply.
The Government is also seeking views on transitional arrangements as part of the consultation. Transitional or temporary measures are usually designed to ease the impact of shifting from one system to another for those already in the UK on a pathway to settlement.
We encourage clients to share questions with us. Our UK immigration team is available to work with clients who wish to compose a response to this consultation process.
