Significant changes to the UK Immigration Rules are on the horizon, and they could dramatically affect the route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR) for thousands of migrant workers.
The new Rules were proposed on 20 November 2025 and are currently subject to public consultation until 12 February 2026. While nothing is final yet, the proposals give a strong indication of the Government’s direction of travel — and for many, time is of the essence.
Settlement Extended from 5 to 10 Years
The most impactful proposal is the increase in the qualifying period for settlement for workers from 5 years to 10 years.
If you are already eligible to apply under the current 5-year rules, it is strongly advisable to apply before 12 February 2026. At present, this is the only fixed and certain date in the process.
The new Rules are expected to come into force on 6 April 2026, but there is still no clarity on how they will affect:
• Existing workers already in the UK
• Individuals who are very close to qualifying for settlement
Until further guidance is published, uncertainty remains.
What Will Count Towards the New 10-Year Requirement?
Under the proposals, only qualifying work visas will count towards the new 10-year settlement period. These include:
• Skilled Worker visas
• Permitted combinations (for example, Skilled Worker + Global Talent)
Crucially, the following visas will not count:
• Student visas
• Graduate visas
• Dependant visas
As a result, the 10-year Long Residence route, which currently allows settlement based on almost any lawful visa combination, is expected to be abolished.
👉 Important: If you are currently relying on a mix of Student and Graduate visas to reach 10 years’ lawful residence, you should apply as soon as possible, while this route remains available.
Care Workers and Medium-Skill Workers: Up to 15–20 Years to Settlement
The proposals are particularly restrictive for care workers and those in medium-skill roles.
• Care workers and workers in RQF Level 3 and 4 jobs (below degree level) may be required to complete 15 years before qualifying for ILR.
• Workers who have previously:
• Claimed public funds, or
• Overstayed a visa (even if later granted permission)
may face an extended route of up to 20 years before settlement.
Changes Already in Force Since 22 July 2025
Some changes are not proposals — they are already law.
From 22 July 2025:
• Only RQF Level 6 (degree-level) jobs qualify for Skilled Worker visas.
• This relates to the skill level of the job, not whether the worker personally holds a degree.
For example:
• An accountant working as an accountant is considered to be in a degree-level role.
• An accountant working as a carer is treated as a carer and would not meet the Skilled Worker criteria.
Other key changes:
• Minimum salary thresholds increased across the board.
• For extensions or settlement, this does not require an immediate pay rise, but salaries must meet the new thresholds before the next application.
• Care worker visas are now closed to new applicants applying from overseas.
Transitional Protection for Workers Who Started Before 22 July 2025
There is some good news.
Workers who were already sponsored before 22 July 2025 benefit from transitional arrangements:
• They can continue to be sponsored in RQF Level 3 roles for extensions, change of employment, and settlement.
• However, they must meet the updated salary thresholds.
There are also different salary rules depending on whether sponsorship started:
• Before 4 April 2024, or
• Before 22 July 2025
Bringing Dependants: What’s Changed?
Most workers can still bring dependants, but with notable exceptions:
• Care workers cannot bring dependants if they first entered this route after 11 March 2024.
• Workers who entered after 22 July 2025 (other than care workers) can only bring dependants if they are sponsored in a higher-skilled, degree-level roles.
Final Thoughts
These proposals mark a fundamental shift in the UK’s approach to long-term migration and settlement. For many workers, the difference between applying now and waiting could mean an additional 5 to 10 years before securing permanent status.
If you are eligible under the current Rules, acting early could make all the difference.