On 20 November 2025, the Home Office published its consultation paper, A Fairer Pathway to Settlement (CP 1448), setting out proposals for a fundamental restructuring of the UK’s settlement regime. The changes, if implemented, will mark the most significant reform to long-term residence pathways in nearly fifty years. The consultation, which will remain open for twelve weeks, invites individuals, organisations, and stakeholders to provide their views via the official online survey.

The proposals represent a decisive shift away from the existing five-year routes to settlement, and toward a structured, conditional model requiring applicants to earn settlement through demonstrable contribution, integration, and sustained compliance with UK immigration and public-law obligations. The reforms also propose extending qualifying periods for certain cohorts, introducing stricter suitability and earnings thresholds, and removing the long-standing 10-year long-residence route.

How to Participate in the Consultation

The Home Office invites formal responses through:
Online survey: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/earned-settlement
Alternative formats & enquiries: earnedsettlementconsultationqueries@homeoffice.gov.uk

Annex B of the consultation document contains the full questionnaire and guidance for respondents.

Overview of Settlement Under the Current System

Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) enables lawful permanent residence without time restrictions and provides access to work, study and public funds for which an individual is eligible. It is also a prerequisite for naturalisation as a British citizen. The majority of economic and family migration routes currently have a five-year qualifying period, with some accelerated categories (such as Global Talent and Innovator Founder) offering settlement after three years. A separate 10-year long-residence route exists for individuals who have spent a decade lawfully in the UK across any combination of visas.

The Proposed “Earned Settlement” Model

The consultation proposes replacing the existing structure with a single overarching model featuring a baseline qualifying period of 10 years for most applicants. This period may be adjusted upwards or downwards based on individual circumstances across four pillars: Character, Integration, Contribution, and Residence.

The proposals include:

1. Baseline Qualifying Period

A default 10-year qualifying period for most routes to settlement.
For certain workers in roles below RQF Level 6 (including many in the Health and Care sector), the Government proposes a 15-year baseline.

2. Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

As set out in Table 1 of the consultation paper, all applicants must demonstrate:

• Full compliance with suitability provisions (criminality, immigration compliance, public good considerations) and absence of litigation, NHS, tax, or government debt.
• English language ability at B2 level and successful completion of the Life in the UK Test.
• Earnings above £12,570 for a minimum period of 3–5 years (subject to consultation).

Discretion will not be available where these mandatory requirements are not met.

3. Reductions to the Qualifying Period

Applicants may shorten the 10-year period through specific contributions or forms of integration (Table 2), including:

• C1-level English: –1 year
• Earnings above £50,270 for 3 years: –5 years
• Earnings above £125,140 for 3 years: –7 years
• Five years in skilled public-service roles: –5 years
• Significant volunteering or community work: –3 to –5 years
• 3 years on Global Talent or Innovator Founder: –7 years
• Family members of British citizens and BN(O) holders: –5 years (non-consulted commitments)
  

4. Increases to the Qualifying Period

Negative factors (Table 3) may extend the qualifying period, including:

• Public funds usage under 12 months: +5 years
• Public funds usage over 12 months: +10 years
• Arrival via illegal entry or small boat: up to +20 years
• Entry on a visit visa: up to +20 years
• Overstaying by 6 months or more: up to +20 years
  These extensions can result in qualifying periods extending to 30 years.

Key Changes Affecting Specific Groups

Skilled Workers and Health & Care Workers

The current 5-year settlement pathway will be replaced with a 10-year baseline, with a 15-year baseline proposed for those in roles below RQF Level 6 (e.g., Senior Care Workers, Care Workers). Progression to higher paid roles or higher skill levels may reduce the timeframe.

Global Talent and Innovator Founder

The Government intends to preserve accelerated routes by applying a 7-year reduction, maintaining a 3-year pathway for many in these categories. Dependants may also receive a 5-year reduction, subject to consultation.

Family Route Migrants and BN(O) Holders

Partners, parents and children of British citizens, and BN(O) status holders, will retain a 5-year qualifying period (mandatory criteria still apply).

Long Residence Route

The 10-year long residence route will be abolished, with earned settlement adjustments replacing it entirely.

Dependants

Adult dependants will have separate qualifying periods based on their own contributions and circumstances, no longer automatically aligning with the main applicant. Children may be permitted to settle at the same time as parents within an age-based transitional window.

Refugees and Protection Routes

A default 20-year qualifying period is proposed for individuals recognised as refugees in the UK, with reductions possible only for those transitioning to work/study routes. Resettled refugees will follow a 10-year qualifying period.

Public Funds and Settlement

The consultation examines shifting access to public funds from settlement to citizenship—introducing the possibility of NRPF conditions after ILR for some groups.

Transitional Arrangements

The consultation seeks views on whether transitional provisions should apply. Critically, the Home Secretary proposes applying the new regime to all individuals currently in the UK who have not yet obtained ILR, regardless of how close they are to qualifying under existing rules. This point is stated explicitly in the Foreword (page 4).

Without transitional protections, many individuals expecting to apply for ILR in 2026–2029 may instead become subject to the new 10–15-year framework.

Strategic Considerations for Migrants and Employers

• Settlement will become substantially more conditional, evidence-heavy and dependent on sustained earnings, integration and compliance.
• Individuals nearing eligibility for ILR under current rules may wish to seek specialist advice to accelerate applications before new rules take effect.
• Employers relying on Skilled Worker or Health & Care visas should anticipate longer retention periods, increased uncertainty for migrant employees, and the need to review workforce planning.

Professional Assistance

Given the fundamental nature of the proposed reforms and their potential retrospective impact, individuals and employers should seek advice at the earliest opportunity. Fast Track Consultancy can provide detailed guidance on eligibility, strategic planning, and support with consultation responses.