Earned Settlement – Proposed Changes To The Rules On ILR

In the forthcoming overhaul of UK immigration, major changes will affect the rules on indefinite leave to remain or settlement. Implementation of the proposed "earned settlement" framework is planned to begin in April 2026. There is an open public consultation on the reform which will close at 11:59pm on 12 February 2026.

Substance of the reform

Following the 2025 Immigration White Paper, the government announced reform of the settlement system increasing the standard qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from the current 5 years to 10 years. The reform will not affect partners of British citizens who already have the two distinct 5 and 10-year routes, or British Nationals (Overseas) from Hong Kong who will continue to qualify for settlement after 5 years of residence.