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UK government doubles standard wait for permanent residency to 10 years
The earned settlement model changes how long migrants must wait for indefinite leave to remain, affecting employers and workforce planning across the UK.
- OnlineKhabar English NewsUK announces sweeping changes to permanent residency rules, extending standard qualifying period to 10 years (opens in a new tab)
- Yahoo NewsBritish government sets out tougher rules for migrants looking to settle in the UK (opens in a new tab)
- Legal 500December 2026 UK Immigration Rule Changes For Employers (opens in a new tab)
What happened
The UK government has announced changes to permanent residency rules that double the standard qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to 10 years. OnlineKhabar English News+1 Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood set out the new earned settlement model in Parliament on Monday. OnlineKhabar English News+1 Under the model, the time migrants must wait depends on their contributions and conduct in the UK, and high earners can settle within three years. OnlineKhabar English News+1 Workers earning more than £50,271 a year, along with doctors, nurses, teachers and other health and education professionals, will remain eligible to apply after five years. OnlineKhabar English News+1 Care workers earning £25,000 a year in the social sector will be able to settle on their existing five-year pathway. Yahoo News
Around it
Mahmood announced the exemption for care workers after backlash from unions and some figures within the ruling Labour Party to the initial proposals. Yahoo News Refugees who entered the UK legally will also be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years. OnlineKhabar English News Law firm guidance published on November 4 says UK employers face immigration compliance deadlines in December 2026 affecting Tier 2 salary concessions, shortage-list sponsorship and Graduate visa eligibility. Legal 500
What comes next
Future changes to the immigration rules remain subject to further Statements of Changes. Legal 500
Sources
- OnlineKhabar English NewsUK announces sweeping changes to permanent residency rules, extending standard qualifying period to 10 years (opens in a new tab)
- Yahoo NewsBritish government sets out tougher rules for migrants looking to settle in the UK (opens in a new tab)
- Legal 500December 2026 UK Immigration Rule Changes For Employers (opens in a new tab)
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