On 20 November 2025, the UK Government launched a public consultation on a major reform of the settlement (ILR) system called “Earned Settlement.”
These are proposals only, not yet law, and may change after the consultation process.
Below is a concise explanation of what was announced.
Settlement Would No Longer Be an Automatic 5-Year Right
Under current rules, many workers qualify for ILR after 5 years.
The proposed model replaces this with a 10-year baseline route for most migrants.
The idea is that settlement must be earned, not simply gained by completing time in the UK.
Four Pillars of Eligibility
The new system assesses applicants against four main criteria:
a. Residence
Long-term lawful and continuous residence in the UK.
b. Contribution
Meaningful economic contribution, including sustained employment and National Insurance contributions.
Earnings levels may influence whether someone qualifies earlier or later.
c. Character
Good character and compliance with UK law and immigration rules.
Criminality, overstaying or serious breaches could delay or block settlement.
d. Integration
A stronger focus on integration, including a higher English-language requirement and possibly demonstrating community involvement or “giving back.”
Accelerated Routes for High Earners
The new model includes potential accelerated routes for individuals with high levels of earnings. While final thresholds have not yet been confirmed, the government’s initial outline suggests that:
- Very high earners could be eligible for ILR in approximately three years, significantly shorter than both the current system and the new baseline.
- Those earning at a substantial but lower threshold could qualify in around five years.
These potential reductions are tied to the contribution pillar, rewarding applicants who demonstrate strong and sustained economic impact in the UK. This marks a shift toward a merit-based system in which earnings play a direct role in settlement eligibility.
Extended Routes for Lower-Paid or Lower-Skilled Roles
While some may qualify earlier, others could face longer routes. One of the more significant proposals is that individuals working in roles below RQF Level 6 — typically lower-paid or lower-skilled roles — may be placed on a 15-year route to settlement. This reflects the government’s intention to prioritise highly skilled migration and reduce long-term settlement opportunities for lower-paid workers.
This aspect of the proposal may particularly affect sectors such as social care, hospitality, retail, and certain manual occupations. Employers may need to consider the long-term retention implications if settlement becomes substantially harder to obtain for these workers.
Upward Adjustments: Factors That Could Delay Settlement
As part of the Earned Settlement model, the government proposes the use of “upward adjustments” — effectively penalties — for certain behaviours or circumstances. These adjustments could lengthen the time required to qualify for settlement. Examples include:
- Periods of reliance on public funds
- Long spells of unemployment
- Immigration non-compliance or poor character
- Other factors that suggest weaker contribution or integration
In the most serious cases, particularly involving illegal entry or repeated immigration breaches, the government’s illustrative examples suggest that some individuals could face very long settlement timelines. These proposals highlight the government’s intention to use the system to reward positive behaviour and deter or penalise conduct viewed as inconsistent with long-term residence.
Higher English Language and Integration Standards
The integration element of the model includes a proposal to raise the level of English required for settlement. This would align settlement more closely with the skills and language fluency expected for long-term participation in UK society. In addition to a stronger English-language requirement, the Life in the UK Test would remain a mandatory element.
The government is also exploring how volunteering or other community activities might help applicants demonstrate integration, potentially supporting earlier eligibility.
Impact on People Already in the UK
The government has asked for views on how these rules should apply to individuals already on existing routes. While current ILR holders will not be affected, people part-way through their journey may experience changes depending on the final outcome. Transitional arrangements will therefore be an important part of the policy design.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UK Earned Settlement system is a government proposal to replace the current five-year ILR route with a contribution-based model that focuses on residence, earnings, character, and integration.
The policy is currently under consultation. No implementation date has been announced yet, and the rules are not in force.
The government is seeking views on transitional arrangements. Current ILR holders are not affected, but people still completing their route may see changes once final rules are confirmed.
Under the proposal, the five-year standard ILR route may be replaced with a 10-year baseline, with quicker or slower routes depending on contribution.
Yes. High earners may be eligible for accelerated settlement in three to five years, depending on taxable income and economic contribution.
Applicants in lower-paid or lower-skilled roles (below RQF Level 6) may face extended settlement timelines under the proposal.
Yes, the government plans to raise the English-language standard as part of the integration pillar.
Migrants should maintain strong employment records, avoid immigration breaches, improve English skills, and seek legal advice to understand future implications.
