Not law yet. This is based on the government’s proposal from November 2025. The final rules are expected before the end of 2026 and may be different. Today, the normal rules still apply.
The government wants most people to wait 10 years for settlement instead of 5. Some things would cut that time, and some would add to it. Use this to see a rough number for your own case.
What the proposal says
These figures are from the Home Affairs Committee report of 13 March 2026, which looked at the Home Office plan.
| Your situation | Base wait |
|---|---|
| Most people | 10 years |
| Medium-skilled work visas | 15 years |
| Refugees | 20 years |
Things that would take time off
Only the biggest one counts. They do not add up.
- English at C1 level: 1 year off
- Taxable income of £50,270 or more for 3 years: 5 years off
- Taxable income of £125,140 or more for 3 years: 7 years off
- 5 years in some public service jobs at RQF 6 or above: 5 years off
- Community work like volunteering: 3 to 5 years off
- Partner, parent or child of a British citizen: 5 years off
- BN(O) visa holders: 5 years off
Things that would add time
Again, only the biggest one counts.
- Public funds for less than 12 months: 5 years more
- Public funds for more than 12 months: 10 years more
- Came in illegally, came on a visit visa, or overstayed by 6 months or more: up to 20 years more
Things everyone would still need
- A pass in the Life in the UK test
- English at B2 level
- No unpaid government debt, like tax or NHS bills
- No serious criminal record
- Income above £12,570 a year for a set number of years (still being decided)
Will it apply to people already here?
This is the big open question. The government has not decided yet. Options being looked at include keeping some groups on the 5-year path. MPs on the committee asked the government to set out fair rules for people already in the UK. We will update this page the day the final plan comes out.
Source: House of Commons Home Affairs Committee: Earned Settlement report (13 March 2026).
Last checked against GOV.UK: 11 October 2026
Questions people ask
Is ILR going to be 10 years?
The government has proposed a 10-year base for most people. It is not law yet. The final plan is expected before the end of 2026.
Will the ILR changes be retrospective?
Nobody knows yet. The government is still deciding how to treat people already in the UK. MPs have asked for fair rules for this group.
When was the Earned Settlement consultation?
It opened on 20 November 2025 and closed on 12 February 2026.