Introduction Summary

The UK Government has announced a sweeping redesign of the settlement system, extending qualifying periods and tying progression more tightly to tax contributions, integration and compliance. High earners and talent-route migrants will benefit, while low-paid and non-compliant migrants face dramatically longer waits. Here’s what the 2025–26 reforms mean in practice.

On 20 November 2025, the Government unveiled an unprecedented overhaul of the UK’s legal migration framework. Branded as a shift to a “contribution-based” settlement model, the reforms lengthen settlement timelines, restrict public-funds access and prioritise migrants with strong economic and social contributions.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood reiterated that long-term residence “is not a right, but a privilege”—a clear signal of a tougher approach to permanent immigration while rewarding those who work, integrate and comply.

1. Settlement Moves to a 10-Year Standard Route

The most significant change is the extension of the standard qualifying period for settlement from 5 years to 10 years.

Who Will Still Have a Shorter Route?

• Immediate family of British citizens and BN(O)s: still eligible after 5 years
• Frontline public service workers: 5-year route maintained
• Global Talent & Innovator Founder visas: continue to qualify after 3 years
• High earners (higher/additional rate taxpayers): shorter pathways, reflecting higher tax contribution
• Migrants with strong integration evidence: potential discounts for excellent English, volunteering or community involvement

Who Will Face Longer Settlement Routes?

These rules will affect an estimated 2 million migrants who arrived since 2021 (subject to transitional arrangements still under consultation). Migrants with existing ILR remain unaffected.

2. Settlement No Longer Unlocks Access to Public Funds

A major departure from current policy:

Settlement will not provide automatic eligibility for benefits or social housing.

Only British citizens, not settled migrants, would qualify for most public funds. Even migrants who earn settlement through the tougher system must still naturalise before receiving benefits.

3. A New “Earned Settlement” Model Based on Four Pillars

The new system evaluates migrants using four core criteria:

• Residence – length and continuity in the UK
• Contribution – tax history, NI payments, salary level
• Character – compliance, criminality, immigration history
• Integration – English language, community participation, volunteering

These factors will influence both the pace and likelihood of settlement.

4. Refugees Face Major Changes

Recent announcements confirm that legally recognised refugees will face a 20-year period before settlement.

They will continue to access public funds but under tighter eligibility rules.

5. Transitional Rules Still Unknown

The Government will consult on transitional arrangements until 12 February 2026.

The stated intention is clear:

Anyone who has not yet been granted settlement when the new rules begin will be moved onto the contribution-based system.

Around 1.6 million migrants expected to reach eligibility by 2030 may see their timelines shift significantly.

6. What Migrants Should Do Now

These reforms fundamentally reshape the UK settlement landscape. Key points:

• Prepare for longer timelines unless you fall into a fast-track category
• Settlement won’t give benefits—citizenship becomes essential
• Tax compliance and English language matter more than ever
• Employers must plan retention strategies for high-value workers

Practical Steps

• Review your current route and its new likely timeline
• Track your tax, employment and volunteering records
• Stay alert for transitional announcements
• Seek legal advice if unsure how your circumstances fit the new model

Who This Matters For

• Skilled workers planning long-term residence
• Migrants on low-paid or closed visa routes
• Employers sponsoring overseas staff
• Families considering partner/parent routes
• Refugees and humanitarian migrants
• High earners, founders and Global Talent applicants
• Anyone expecting to apply for ILR between 2026–2035

Decision Journey

Readers are deciding whether their current route will still qualify for settlement, whether they need to switch visa categories, and whether they should apply earlier or wait for transitional rules.

FAQ

Is the standard UK settlement route now 10 years?

Yes. The Government intends to double the standard route from 5 to 10 years for most migrants.

Will settlement still give access to benefits?

No. Access to public funds will only be available to British citizens under the new rules.

Who can still get settlement in 3–5 years?

Global Talent and Innovator Founder migrants can still qualify after 3 years; family of British citizens and frontline public service workers remain on a 5-year route.

Will low-paid workers really face 15 years?

Yes. Low-paid workers—including some former health & care recruits—fall into a 15-year category under the contribution model.

Are refugees affected?

Yes. Recognised refugees who entered legally will move to a 20-year settlement timeline.

Do these rules affect people who already have ILR?

No. Anyone already holding settled status is not affected by the reforms.

What happens if transitional rules don’t protect my current route?

You may be moved onto the new contribution-based system if you have not been granted settlement when the rules change.

Does integration (like volunteering or English level) speed up settlement?

Potentially yes—strong integration evidence may shorten timelines for some groups.