The UK government has launched a major public consultation on a new immigration system called the UK earned settlement model. This proposal represents one of the largest changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) rules in decades. Instead of offering settlement mainly based on how long someone has lived in the country, the plan would make settlement something that migrants actively earn through contributions, integration, and good character.
The consultation is open until 12 February 2026, and the government aims to begin introducing changes from April 2026. Here is a detailed breakdown of what the UK earned settlement proposal includes, why it matters, and who may be affected.
What is UK earned settlement model?
The UK earned settlement model is a proposed system that changes how migrants qualify for ILR. Currently, many visa holders can apply for settlement after five years of lawful residence. Under the new proposal, the UK would move toward a more flexible and performance-based pathway.
The idea is to reward migrants who make strong economic or social contributions to the country, while placing longer qualifying periods on those who meet only the minimum requirements. The government argues that this approach creates a “fairer” and more transparent route to settlement.
One of the biggest changes in the UK earned settlement model is the increase in the baseline residence requirement. While the standard route may take 10 years, the proposal allows for flexibility.
Reduced time to settlement: Highly skilled individuals, high earners, or people contributing above standard levels may qualify faster — possibly after three years.
Extended route: Those who have breached immigration rules, relied heavily on public funds, or shown limited contribution could face 20 or even 30-year routes.
This means settlement becomes personalised, based on contribution and behaviour rather than time alone.
Four core eligibility pillars
The new system is built around four main pillars. Applicants would need to satisfy all of them:
Residence: Continuous and lawful residence in the UK for the required number of years.
Integration: Stronger English language ability, at B2 level, and other indicators such as knowledge of life in the UK.
Contribution: Clear evidence of economic contribution (earnings, tax, National Insurance) or social contribution (volunteering, community involvement).
Character and suitability: A clean criminal record, good immigration compliance, and no unpaid debts to public bodies.
These criteria make the UK earned settlement process more detailed and more demanding than the current system.
Who will be affected?
The UK earned settlement consultation applies mostly to future applicants or people who have not yet gained ILR.
Those not affected include:
People who already hold ILR
EU Settlement Scheme status holders
Certain protected groups (such as those on the Windrush or BNO routes)
Workers on sponsored visas, family visas, and other long-term routes may see major changes in how long it takes to obtain certainty in the UK.
Why the changes matter
The UK earned settlement proposal has wide-ranging implications:
Group | Key impacts |
Migrants | - Settlement becomes less automatic and more conditional. - Must show strong, continuous economic activity and good behaviour over many years. - Lower-paid workers may struggle to meet contribution or earnings thresholds. |
Families | - Children turning 18 on dependent visas may face longer settlement routes. - Families may deal with complicated timelines and different requirements for each member. |
Employers | - Harder to retain skilled international workers due to longer settlement pathways. - The UK may become less competitive for attracting global talent. |
What does the public consultation cover
The consultation invites feedback on:
The length of qualifying periods
How contribution and integration should be measured
Whether high performers should get faster routes
How dependants should be treated
What transitional arrangements should apply
The government is particularly asking whether those already on a five-year route should keep it or be moved to the new model.
As the consultation continues, individuals, employers, and organisations have a chance to shape the final design.
