UK Migration: Ten years for permanent residency in the UK… proposals ready!

The UK government is preparing major reforms for international migrants. A proposal has been introduced in Parliament to increase the mandatory residency period for applying for Permanent Residency (ILR) from five years to ten years, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced on Thursday. These changes will be implemented under the new “Earned Settlement” model.

Under the revised rules, the current five-year automatic ILR eligibility will be extended to ten years. Migrants in low-wage jobs will need to wait 15 years, while those receiving government benefits will have to wait 20 years before applying.

However, professionals in key sectors such as the National Health Service (NHS) and high-income entrepreneurs will be exempt from the extended timelines. They may qualify for ILR in five years or even sooner, depending on their contribution.

Since 2021, nearly 2 million migrants have moved to the UK. Under existing rules, they would become eligible for ILR between 2026 and 2030. The new proposal is being introduced with these numbers in mind.

Several strict conditions are also included in the policy—migrants must have no criminal record, possess high English-language proficiency, and engage in voluntary community service.