LONDON: The UK government has launched a new “earned settlement” immigration framework that allows certain high-earning professionals and entrepreneurs to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in as little as three years, a significant reduction from previous routes.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the policy, describing it as a targeted measure to retain “the brightest global talent” while introducing tougher rules for most other migrants.
The announcement reverses earlier proposals that would have extended the standard settlement period to 10 years for the majority of visa holders.
Under the new tiered system:
- Individuals earning £125,000 or more annually, or those on Global Talent or Innovator Founder visas, can apply for ILR after just three years.
- Skilled workers earning between £50,000 and £125,000 remain on the existing five-year route.
- Most other economic migrants will now face a 10-year qualifying period.
Applicants must meet strict criteria, including a clean criminal record, full compliance with tax and National Insurance payments, no outstanding NHS or Home Office debts, and proof of English-language proficiency. Higher English fluency may shorten the 10-year baseline for some categories.
The Home Office has introduced severe penalties for non-compliance. Claiming public funds for less than 12 months could add five years to the waiting period, while claims exceeding 12 months may add 10 years. Those who entered the UK illegally, including by small boat crossings, could face an additional 20-year delay.
Certain groups are excluded from the new fast-track rules, including family members of British citizens, Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders, Windrush and EU Settlement Scheme applicants, and most public-sector workers such as doctors, nurses, and teachers, who retain their current five-year routes.
Business leaders and immigration analysts welcomed the accelerated pathway, saying it addresses concerns that post-Brexit restrictions and recent visa curbs were deterring top international talent. The policy is expected to particularly benefit high-skilled professionals from countries such as Pakistan who meet the salary or innovation thresholds.
Applications will continue to be submitted online, with legal experts urging applicants with complex histories – including past benefit claims, employment gaps, or tax disputes – to seek professional advice before applying.
The changes take effect immediately for new and existing qualifying visa holders.
Also read: Legal Migrants Must Live 10 Years in UK For Settled Status
