On 2 November 2026, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the government’s “earned settlement” reforms. These are the biggest changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in decades. For thousands of Indian workers, students and families planning a future in the UK, the road to permanent residence is about to change. Here’s what was announced and what it means for you.
Important: this is a policy announcement, not yet law. The government says the changes will begin to be laid in the December Immigration Rules and will be implemented over the course of 2027.
The big change: 10 years becomes the standard
Until now, most work-visa holders could apply for ILR after 5 years. Under earned settlement, the standard qualifying period becomes 10 years. You can settle sooner by showing a stronger contribution to the UK.
New settlement pathways at a glance
| Qualifying period | Who qualifies |
|---|---|
| 3 years | Exceptional contributors: earnings of £125,141 or more for 3 years (or 3 of the last 4 years), or the Highest Talent Group. Subject to review by the Migration Advisory Committee. |
| 5 years | Earnings of £50,271 or more for 3 of the last 5 years; or 5 years in an eligible public service occupation, such as doctors, nurses and teachers; or a British connection. |
| 10 years | The new standard route: earnings of at least £12,571 for 5 of the previous 7 years, plus all mandatory requirements. |
| 20 years | People whose immigration breaches or use of public funds prevent an earlier pathway. |
Mandatory requirements for everyone
Whatever your pathway, the government says you can be refused settlement for any of the following:
- a criminal record
- not speaking English to a high standard
- any unpaid debt to the UK government, such as NHS charges
- fewer than 3 years of National Insurance contributions
- having claimed public funds (benefits) in the last 5 years
- immigration breaches, such as overstaying or working in breach of conditions
Care workers
Care workers who came to the UK before the May 2025 Immigration White Paper, earned £25,000 a year in the sector and met their visa conditions keep their existing 5-year route to settlement. Some care workers who did not meet their visa conditions may be able to apply for a further care visa that is not tied to their old employer.
Who keeps the current route?
- People with a British connection, such as partners of British citizens, keep a 5-year path.
- Hong Kong BN(O) holders, Armed Forces members and Windrush cases are unchanged.
- Certain public-sector and care workers who joined before May 2025 have transitional protection.
The government has said that settlement rules are applied when the decision is made, not when you arrived. So people already in the UK may also be affected unless transitional protection applies to them.
What this means for Indian applicants
- Skilled Workers on average salaries (below £50,271) should plan for a longer, 10-year road to ILR.
- Doctors, nurses and teachers in eligible public service roles can still settle in 5 years.
- High earners on £125,141+ could settle in as little as 3 years.
- Students planning to work after their degree should factor the longer timeline into their study and career plans.
- Clean compliance matters more than ever. One overstay, unpaid NHS bill or benefits claim could cost you years.
What you should do now
- Work out your likely pathway (3, 5, 10 or 20 years) based on your salary and occupation.
- Keep your payslips, P60s and National Insurance records organised from day one.
- Improve your English. A high standard will be essential.
- Stay fully compliant with your visa conditions and avoid public funds.
- Watch for the December 2026 Immigration Rules and get advice before you make any decision.
How BIC can help
Best Immigration Consultant (BIC) is a Punjab Government-licensed, ISO-certified immigration consultancy with offices in Jalandhar and Ludhiana. We help with UK study, work, visitor and family visas, including refusal cases. Talk to us before you plan your UK move under the new settlement rules.
📞 96-96-631-631 | 🌐 bestimmigration.in
Sources: UK Home Office statement “Earned settlement”, 2 November 2026 (gov.uk), and the published consultation response tables. Salary thresholds and rules may change when the Immigration Rules are laid. Information is current as of 3 November 2026. Always check gov.uk before applying.