People living in the UK on legal visas could face significantly longer waits before being allowed to settle permanently, under new government proposals. Ministers want to overhaul the current system for securing indefinite leave to remain by doubling the standard qualifying period from five to 10 years. The shift would affect an estimated 1.6 million people who have arrived in the UK since 2021, although anyone who has already secured settled status would not be impacted.
The plans also introduce longer waits for those who have claimed state benefits. Under the proposals, individuals who have received support for under a year would need to wait 15 years before applying, while those who have been on benefits for longer could face a 20-year route to settlement. The government argues that the UK’s recent levels of migration, combined with forecasts showing a sharp rise in applications to settle between 2026 and 2030, mean the current system is no longer sustainable.
Alongside the extended timelines, ministers intend to introduce an “earned settlement” model. This would require applicants to demonstrate that they are contributing socially and economically, as well as meeting character requirements, before being granted the right to remain permanently. Currently, most people on work or family visas can apply after five years, but under the planned changes many will face a wait twice as long, and some – such as those entering the UK on specific health and care routes – could take even longer.
Indefinite leave to remain is an important milestone, providing the right to live and work in the UK without time limits and opening the door to citizenship. The government has launched a public consultation to gather views on the proposals, which will remain open until February.
