UK plans tougher migration rules that could make some migrants wait up to 20 years for settlement

The UK government is considering sweeping immigration reforms that could significantly extend the time migrants must wait to obtain permanent residency, potentially making the country one of the most restrictive among major developed economies.

Under the proposals, the government plans to introduce an “earned settlement” system that would extend the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five years to ten years for most migrants , while some groups could face waiting periods of up to 20 years before qualifying for settlement.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has proposed stricter eligibility conditions alongside the longer timeline. Migrants would need a clean criminal record , a higher English language standard , and earnings of at least £12,570 per year for three years to qualify for settlement.

The reforms would create a tiered system in which settlement timelines vary depending on income, employment and integration. Highly skilled workers , including NHS doctors and nurses or migrants earning above £125,140, could qualify within three to five years , while family visa holders or migrants demonstrating integration through activities such as volunteering may qualify after five to seven years.

Others could face longer waits. Low-skilled workers would have a baseline qualifying period of 15 years , and migrants who have relied on public funds could face waiting periods of up to 20 years . Those who entered the country illegally or overstayed their visas could have to wait up to 30 years before settlement.

Refugees would also face major changes. Under a new “core protection” model , their status would become temporary and subject to review every 30 months , with settlement possible only after 20 years unless they switch to work or study routes.

The government says the reforms aim to reduce irregular migration and manage rising settlement numbers. Around 163,000 people were granted settlement in the year ending June 2025 , and officials expect the figure to increase further in coming years.

The overhaul forms part of a broader immigration reset inspired partly by Denmark’s strict policies and is described by ministers as the largest reform of the migration system in decades .

However, critics argue the measures could leave migrants stuck in prolonged temporary status, potentially harming integration and employment prospects. The proposals are currently under review after a government consultation and may begin taking effect from April 2026 , though details are still being finalised.