The UK government has proposed extending the qualifying period for permanent settlement from five years to between 10 and 20 years, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood insisting that gaining Indefinite Leave to Remain “must be earned.”
The UK government has proposed sweeping changes to the rules for Indefinite Leave to Remain, increasing the qualifying period from five to 10 years for most legal migrants, and up to 15 or 20 years for those who have claimed benefits.
Announcing the plan, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said becoming part of the UK is “not a right but a privilege – and one that must be earned,” stressing that migration levels have been “unprecedented,” with 2.6 million added to the population since 2021.
The proposals—affecting an estimated 1.6 million recent arrivals—would introduce an “earned settlement” system requiring proof of integration, economic contribution, and good character before migrants can secure settled status.
While current settlement holders are exempt, ministers warn that the number of ILR applications is expected to surge between 2026 and 2030.
A public consultation on the new rules runs until 12 February.