A major shift in UK immigration policy is on the horizon—and for thousands of Skilled Worker visa holders, 8 September 2025 could be a defining moment.

That’s the day the UK Parliament will debate a fast-growing petition that’s now passed 150,000 signatures, urging the government to protect the current 5-year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for those already living and working in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa.

In May 2025, the UK government proposed a major change to immigration rules:
 

Skilled Worker visa holders may need to wait 10 years—up from the current 5—before they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

If this goes ahead, it would have serious consequences for:

• Family and life planning – Delaying the chance to settle in the UK long-term
• Career decisions – Making it harder to commit to UK employers or build a future here
• Access to services – A longer wait before becoming eligible for full public benefits
• Global competitiveness – Risking the UK’s ability to attract and retain top international talent

This isn’t just a policy change—it’s a life change for many.
 

What the Petition Is Asking For
 

The petition is not against immigration reform. It makes one clear and fair request:

Keep the current 5-year ILR route for people already on Skilled Worker visas.

If the government introduces a new 10-year rule, it should only apply to new applicants—not to those who came here under the current 5-year system and are planning their lives around it.
 

What the Government Has Said
 

In June 2025, the UK government formally responded to the petition, acknowledging the concerns raised by Skilled Worker visa holders.In June 2025, the UK government formally responded to the petition, acknowledging the concerns raised by Skilled Worker visa holders.

Here’s what they said:

• A public consultation is coming – The government confirmed that it will launch a consultation later this year to gather feedback on how the proposed 10-year ILR policy should be implemented. This includes how it might affect people who are already in the UK under the current 5-year route.
• Transitional arrangements are being considered – They are reviewing whether to introduce exemptions or phased changes for existing visa holders. However, no firm commitments or protections have been announced yet.
• Possible flexibility for key workers – The response mentions that workers who make significant contributions to the UK—such as those in health, social care, or education—may receive special consideration. But again, there are no confirmed criteria or guarantees at this stage.
• Some existing ILR routes will remain – The government reassured that the 5-year ILR route will still apply to other categories, such as: Here’s what they said:

In summary: 

The door is open for change—but nothing is guaranteed yet. Whether existing Skilled Worker visa holders will be protected depends on the outcome of the consultation and the upcoming Parliamentary debate.
 

Why 8 September 2025 Matters
 

That’s when Parliament will formally debate the petition. This is a crucial opportunity for MPs to:

• Raise the real-world impact on Skilled Workers and their families
• Push for clear protections for those already in the UK
• Influence how (or if) the proposed 10-year ILR rule will be applied

This debate could shape the outcome of the policy—and your future.
 

What You Can Do
 

If you’re a Skilled Worker visa holder, HR professional, employer, or ally:

• Mark 8 September 2025 on your calendar
• Contact your MP and share how the change might affect you or your team
• Stay informed about the debate and upcoming consultation
• Share this article or the petition with others who may be impacted
   

Link to the petition: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/727360