By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced final plans to overhaul UK immigration rules, doubling the standard qualifying period for permanent settlement from five to ten years.
Under the new 10-year pathway, applicants must have earned at least £12,571 for five of the seven years immediately before settlement. However, a five-year route remains for certain groups.
Exceptions for high earners and public sector workers
Those earning at least £50,271 for three of five years, care workers earning £25,000 who arrived before May 2025, skilled health and education workers, and other public service workers below that skill level who arrived before May 2025 can qualify after five years. Hong Kong BN(O) status holders also retain a five-year route. Individuals earning over £125,141 or on Global Talent or Innovator Founder visas can settle after three years.
Stricter rules for benefit claimants and criminals
Migrants who have claimed certain benefits or breached immigration rules will face a 20-year wait. Adults with a criminal record will be refused settlement, with discretion for offences committed under 18.
Refugee settlement differentiated by arrival route
Refugees arriving through official government schemes will qualify after five years. Other refugees must wait ten years if they work or study, or twenty years if they do not. Those who arrived by small boat or illegal routes face a 20-year wait if working or studying, and 30 years otherwise.
Transitional provisions for current migrants and families
The changes apply to migrants already in the UK who have not yet been granted settlement. Partners arriving with a primary applicant can settle simultaneously if they meet requirements; those joining later must complete the same qualifying period. Couples can combine earnings to meet a household income threshold of £25,142. Children under 18 are exempt from income, debt, language and Life in the UK test requirements but remain subject to suitability and criminality checks. Young adults aged 18-24 who remain dependent can settle with family, meeting adult requirements except individual income. Those aged 25 or over must qualify independently. Eligible partners, parents and children of British citizens retain a five-year route.
