UK Migrants May Face 20 Year Wait for Settled Status

The UK government has proposed major changes to immigration rules, increasing the qualifying period for permanent settlement from 5 to 10 years.

sarah

Nov 20, 2025 - 20:12

UK Migrants May Face 20 Year Wait for Settled Status

Under government proposals, migrants legally living in the UK could have to wait up to 20 years before settling permanently.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that the qualifying period for indefinite stay permission will be extended from five to 10 years, and this will apply to approximately 1.6 million people who have arrived since 2021.

These changes will not apply to those who have already received settlement.

Under the proposals, those who have claimed benefits for less than 12 months will have to wait 15 years – and those who claim benefits for more than 12 months will have to wait 20 years.

Mahmood said that being part of the UK is "not a right but a privilege – and it must be earned."

Announcing the changes in the Commons, Mahmood said: "Migration will always be a vital part of Britain's story.

"But the scale of arrivals in recent years has never been seen before."

Home Office data shows that net migration added 2.6 million people to the UK population between 2021 and 2024.

Because of this, the settlement grant is also expected to increase over the next five years, with approximately 1.6 million people projected to settle between 2026 and 2030.

Currently, most work and family visa holders can apply for settlement after five years.

Under the proposed changes, the new baseline will increase to 10 years.

But for certain groups, including those arriving on health and social care visas after Brexit, the criteria will be increased to 15 years, with additional penalties for those who have claimed benefits. will be imposed.

Instead, ministers plan to introduce an "earned settlement" system, in which migrants will be required to demonstrate social integration, economic contribution, and good "character" before being granted settled status.

Settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allows someone to live permanently in the UK, work without restriction, and use public services. It is also a stepping stone to British citizenship.

Consultation on the planned changes will run until February 12.