On 20 November 2025, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced one of the most significant immigration reforms in over a decade: A Fairer Pathway to Settlement. The proposal marks a clear shift in how the UK views long-term migration — moving away from near-automatic settlement after five years and toward a more structured, contribution-based model.
In her statement, Mahmood highlighted a simple but decisive philosophy: settlement should be earned, not assumed.
Her announcement sets out a future where long-term residence in the UK reflects integration, contribution, and compliance, rather than simply the passage of time.
A Longer Baseline: The New 10-Year Standard
For most migrants, the qualifying period for settlement is set to increase from 5 years to 10 years.
The government argues that this longer timeline will better ensure:
- sustained contribution,
- stronger integration, and
- improved public confidence in the immigration system.
For refugees who claim asylum in the UK, the starting point will be 20 years, though reductions will be possible if they enter new work or study pathways.
The Four Pillars Behind Every Settlement Decision
The new model is anchored to four core pillars. Each applicant will be judged against these consistently across all immigration routes:
1. Character
Applicants must meet strict suitability standards. Criminality, non-compliance, or breaches of immigration law will block or delay settlement. A full review of criminality thresholds is forthcoming.
2. Integration
The system places heavier weight on applicants demonstrating meaningful engagement with life in the UK. This includes English language proficiency and the Life in the UK test — but also potential recognition for community involvement.
3. Contribution
Economic contribution is central. Earnings will now directly influence the qualifying period, with higher earners able to settle faster. Those who rely on public funds could face significant delays.
4. Residence
Continuous, lawful residence remains a core requirement, but in the new framework, residence alone won’t be enough to qualify.
Mandatory Requirements: The Bar Is Rising
To be considered for settlement under the new model, every applicant must demonstrate:
- A clean criminal record i.e. must meet Suitability requirement
- No outstanding no current litigation, NHS, tax, or government debts
- B2 English level and a pass in the Life in the UK test
- Annual earnings of £12,570+ for 3–5 years (consultation ongoing)
These apply to everyone — regardless of route.
Adjusting the Timeline: Earning Reductions or Penalties
Rather than a fixed timeline, the new system allows the qualifying period to shift up or down based on an applicant’s behaviour, contribution, and compliance.
When more than one reduction or penalty could apply, the Home Office will only apply the single largest adjustment within each category. However, if both a reduction and an increase apply at the same time, they will be combined. For example, if someone received public funds for less than 12 months (which adds 5 years) but also meets the C1 English requirement (which removes 1 year), the overall effect would be a net increase of 4 years—meaning a total qualifying period of 14 years.
How You Can Shorten the Timeline
Examples include:
- High English ability (C1) → 1 year reduction
- Income of £50,270+ for 3 years → 5 years off
- Income of £125,140+ for 3 years → 7 years off
- Public-service roles like medical and teaching professionals (5 years) → 5 years off
- Significant volunteering → 3–5 years off
- Global Talent / Innovator Founder → up to 7 years off
- Spouses/children of British citizens or BN(O) → 5 years off
How Your Timeline Can Increase
Penalties can extend the qualifying period substantially:
- Claimed public funds → +5 to +10 years
- Illegal entry, visitor entry, or 6+ months overstaying → up to +20 years
This means some applicants could face a 30-year route to settlement.
A Major Shift for Care Workers and Lower-Skilled Roles (Workers Below RQF Level 6 )
One of the most significant proposals is a 15-year qualifying period for workers in lower-skilled roles, including many on the Health and Care visa. This reflects government concerns about long-term fiscal impact and dependency on public funds.
If implemented, this will fundamentally change expectations for thousands currently on a route traditionally associated with a 5-year pathway.
Dependants Will No Longer Automatically Follow the Main Applicant
Under the new framework:
- Adult dependants will be assessed independently.
- Their qualifying period may be longer or shorter depending on their own earnings, integration, and compliance.
- Children may continue to settle with parents but a future age cut-off is being considered.
The End of the Long Residence Route
The long-established 10-year lawful residence route will disappear. Its function will be absorbed into the new adjustable 10-year system.
Settlement May No Longer Entitle You to Public Funds
A major question in the consultation is whether ILR should come with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), shifting access to benefits exclusively to citizenship.
If adopted, this would redefine the practical value of settlement itself.
When Will These Rules Be Implemented?
In her announcement, the Home Secretary confirmed that the 12-week public consultation will close in mid-February 2026, with some of the first changes expected to take effect from April 2026. Further updates and phased implementation are anticipated throughout the remainder of 2026 as the full earned settlement system is rolled out.
Final Thoughts
Mahmood’s announcement signals a fundamental shift: long-term residence will increasingly reflect what an individual contributes to the UK — not simply how long they’ve stayed. Migrants, employers, and legal professionals should prepare for a more selective, performance-based system that rewards contribution and penalises non-compliance.