UK to raise the starting point for settlement from 5 to 10 years
Announced by UK Government (GOV.UK)Nov 2, 2026Checked on the official page Nov 12BLOOM ABROAD Editorial · Managing editor Yuki Sugimoto
NewUnited KingdomPermanent residence & migration
In short
- What
- The starting point for UK settlement (ILR) will increase from 5 to 10 years.
- What to do
- Check the official page for the detailed rules and guidance to come.
Does this apply to you?
It applies to
- People who want to apply for UK settlement (ILR), and their families
- People already in the UK (transitional protections, including care workers and certain health and education workers)
- Refugees (distinct arrangements)
Key terms
- Settlement (ILR)
- Indefinite Leave to Remain: the right to live in the UK permanently without immigration restrictions.
- Life in the UK Test
- A test of knowledge about life and history in the UK. It is a mandatory requirement for settlement.
- Transitional protections
- Arrangements that protect people already in the UK when the rules change.
- Consultation
- A process in which the government gathers public views before deciding on a policy.
What changed
The starting point for settlement goes from 5 to 10 years.
People who make a sustained contribution can qualify sooner, while those who break the law or immigration rules may face a longer route or be unable to settle at all.
All applicants must meet mandatory requirements on character and suitability, government debt, English language, the Life in the UK Test and sustained contribution. Provisions for families have been strengthened.
In the original: "settlement should be earned rather than granted on the basis of time alone".
Who it applies to
- Vulnerable groups (targeted protections)
When it applies
The consultation ran from 20 November 2025 to 11:59pm on 12 February 2026. The government response was published on 2 November 2026.
Further technical guidance and a full impact assessment will be published before implementation.
Exceptions
Relevant exemptions will apply to the mandatory requirements, "except in relation to criminality". Refugees have distinct arrangements.
People already in the UK, including care workers and certain health and education workers, have transitional protections. Vulnerable groups have targeted protections.
What to check or do
- First, read the government response on the official page.
- Watch for the detailed rules and technical guidance to be published.
- If you plan to settle, start preparing your English and the Life in the UK Test.
- Make sure you follow the law and immigration rules.
Official sources
- Officially announced
- Nov 2, 2026
- Effective from
- Not confirmed
- Last checked
- Nov 12, 2026
Checked against official sources
gov.uk (external site)
