The UK is preparing to tighten its path to permanent residence, with plans to double the qualifying period for most migrants and extend it even further for some groups. But researchers and campaigners say the changes may not deliver the outcomes the government expects.
The proposals, led by Shabana Mahmood, would increase the standard wait for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five years to ten. For some groups, including those who have claimed public funds, the wait could stretch to 20 years or more.
Eligibility rules would also become stricter. Migrants would need a clean criminal record, meet higher English language standards, and show earnings above £12,570 per year for at least three years.
What is changing in ILR rules
Under the proposed system, the ten-year baseline would shift depending on a migrant’s profile: