Changes 3
Earned settlement: a proposal, not the rules
Skilled Workers may still be able to apply to settle after 5 years; the 10-year baseline is a proposal.
Settlement, or indefinite leave to remain, is permission to live in the UK permanently.
In force: the settlement rules today
A Skilled Worker may be able to apply to settleSettlement Permission to live in the UK permanently, also called indefinite leave to remain. Each route sets its own qualifying period and conditions. after 5 years. Student, Graduate or High Potential Individual visa time does not count towards it: see time towards settlement.
The BN(O) route has its own settlement rule, in the words below.
After you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years, you can apply to live in the UK permanently.
Scheduled: English for settlement
Skilled Worker settlement applications made from need English at B2 in speaking and listening, unless an exemption applies. HC 1691 made this rule; it is in the rules but does not apply yet.
Proposed, not law: the earned settlement consultation
The Home Office proposes that routes such as Skilled Worker, which lead to settlement after 5 years today, would default to 10 years, with earned reductions for contribution or integration.
This means, however, that with the exception of the above categories, those routes (for example, the Skilled Worker route) that currently lead to settlement after 5 years continuous stay will cease to do so and will default to a qualifying period of 10 years, except where an earned reduction on the basis of contribution or integration applies.
The consultation ran from 20 November 2025 to 12 February 2026. On , its GOV.UK page said the government was analysing the feedback and had published no outcome; no Statement of ChangesStatement of Changes A document laid before Parliament that amends the Immigration Rules. Each has an HC number and one or more commencement dates. puts the proposal into the rules.
The Ledger of changes records every change to the settlement rules, with the Statement that made it, such as HC 1691.
The consultation followed the 2025 immigration white paper.
History
- . Entry updated.
- . Entry first published.
Common questions
Is indefinite leave to remain now 10 years?
No. The 10-year baseline is a proposal in a consultation. Under the rules in force, Skilled Workers may be able to apply to settle after 5 years.
When did the earned settlement consultation close?
It ran from 20 November 2025 to 12 February 2026. When this page last checked GOV.UK, the government was analysing the feedback and had published no outcome.
What is earned settlement?
A Home Office proposal to make 10 years the default qualifying period for most routes, with earned reductions for contribution or integration. It is not in the Immigration Rules.
Has the English level for settlement changed?
Yes, from 26 March 2027. Skilled Worker settlement applications made from that date need B2 in speaking and listening, unless an exemption applies. HC 1691 put this in the rules.
Sources
- Skilled Worker visa: Overview (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’).
- Earned settlement: statement and consultation (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
This means, however, that with the exception of the above categories, those routes (for example, the Skilled Worker route) that currently lead to settlement after 5 years continuous stay will cease to do so and will default to a qualifying period of 10 years, except where an earned reduction on the basis of contribution or integration applies.
The consultation survey will remain open until 23:59 on 12 February 2026.
- Earned settlement: statement and consultation (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
This consultation ran from 20 November 2025 to 11:59pm on 12 February 2026
We are analysing your feedback
- British National (Overseas) visa: Overview (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
After you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years, you can apply to live in the UK permanently.
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Skilled Worker (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
SW 22A.1. Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant must, unless an exemption applies, show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B2.
SW 21.2. The 5-year continuous period must consist of time with permission (not as a dependant) on any of, or any combination of, the following routes:
SW 21.1. The applicant must have spent a continuous period of 5 years in the UK.
- Statement of Changes HC 1691: explanatory memorandum (gov.uk). Checked .
The passage relied on
5.62 These changes will come into force on 26 March 2027.
How each figure is checked: Sources and method.
This is general information about the rules, not legal advice. For advice on your own situation, use a solicitor or an adviser regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (gov.uk).