·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 Sam Parks · 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
- The proposal would raise the baseline Indefinite Leave to Remain qualifying period from 5 to 10 years, with reductions for contribution.
- 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.
- No effective date has been set. The current 5-year qualifying period for ILR remains in force.