The UK's proposed 5 to 10 year settlement change.
The 2025 immigration white paper proposes raising the settlement (ILR) qualifying period from 5 to 10 years, under an "earned settlement" model where contributions can shorten it. This is a proposal, not law: as at 28 June 2026 the 5-year route remains fully in force. Implementation is targeted for autumn 2026.
Status: proposed, not yet law
No Immigration Rules implementing this have been laid before Parliament. The existing 5-year settlement route applies until that changes. Source
Proposed baseline periods
Under the proposal, each person gets a baseline qualifying period that can be reduced by contributions, or increased for breaches or public-funds use.
| Who | Proposed baseline |
|---|---|
| Most migrants (incl. Skilled Worker) | 10 years |
| Health & Care visa holders and below-RQF6 (medium-skilled) roles | 15 years |
| Refugees on the core protection route | 20 years (10 for resettlement-programme refugees) |
Proposed figures, per the white paper and the earned-settlement consultation. Source
Questions, answered
Is the 10-year settlement rule law yet?+
No. As at the verified date on this page, the 5-year qualifying period for settlement (ILR) remains fully in force, and no new Immigration Rules implementing the change have been laid before Parliament. It is a proposal from the May 2025 immigration white paper, consulted on between November 2025 and February 2026, with implementation targeted for autumn 2026 but no binding date set.
What is the proposed change?+
The white paper proposes raising the baseline qualifying period for settlement from 5 years to 10 years, under an 'earned settlement' model: you could reduce the 10 years by demonstrating contributions to and integration in the UK, and the period could also increase for things like past immigration breaches or receipt of public funds.
What would it mean for a Skilled Worker?+
For most Skilled Worker visa holders the likely outcome is a doubling of the qualifying period from 5 to 10 years, with the possibility of earning it back down (for example through high earnings or public service). Health & Care visa holders and those in below-RQF6 roles face a 15-year baseline under the proposal.
I'm already on a 5-year route - would this affect me?+
That is exactly what the consultation was about, and it is not settled. Until new Immigration Rules are laid, the 5-year route stands. How any transition would treat people already on a route is one of the most contested points; confirm the current position on gov.uk before relying on it.
When might it start?+
Implementation is targeted for autumn 2026, but no binding date has been set. The Home Office is reviewing roughly 130,000 consultation responses received during the Fairer Pathway to Settlement consultation.
Plain-English summary of a proposal, not legal advice. This is not in force and the detail may change before (or if) it is implemented. Confirm the current position on gov.uk and with a qualified adviser before you rely on it. Last verified 28 June 2026.
Sources
Settlement starts with the right job
Whatever the qualifying period becomes, the path runs through a sponsored Skilled Worker role. Prometrix helps you land one without wasting applications. See the switch guide and the salary rules.