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·United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland·Significant change·In consultation

UK: "earned settlement" proposal would double the ILR qualifying period to 10 years — NOT YET LAW

By · Last reviewed:

The May 2025 Immigration White Paper proposed doubling the standard settlement qualifying period from 5 to 10 years under an "earned" contribution model. This is a proposal that was consulted on — it is not law.

What changed

  • Policy claim 1

    The proposal would raise the baseline Indefinite Leave to Remain qualifying period from 5 to 10 years, with reductions for contribution.

    Claim ID: uk-2025-earned-settlement-proposal#claim-1·Cite this claim

    Source: GOV.UK — Earned settlement consultation (UK Home Office)·source verified ·page reviewed

  • Policy claim 2

    A formal consultation ("A Fairer Pathway to Settlement") ran from 20 November 2025 to 12 February 2026; as of mid-2026 the government is analysing feedback and no change is in force.

    Claim ID: uk-2025-earned-settlement-proposal#claim-2·Cite this claim

    Source: GOV.UK — Earned settlement consultation (UK Home Office)·source verified ·page reviewed

  • Policy claim 3

    No effective date has been set. The current 5-year qualifying period for ILR remains in force.

    Claim ID: uk-2025-earned-settlement-proposal#claim-3·Cite this claim

    Source: GOV.UK — Earned settlement consultation (UK Home Office)·source verified ·page reviewed

Routes affected

Primary source

Primary source

GOV.UK — Earned settlement consultation ↗ · UK Home Office

Link last verified:

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