United KingdomSettlement (ILR)
UK proposes a 10-year baseline for settlement
The government consulted on raising the usual qualifying period for settlement from 5 to 10 years, with shorter periods proposed for high earners and Global Talent holders. It closed on 12 February 2026 and in March 2026 the Home Secretary said responses were under review.
Who it affects
Skilled Workers and other migrants on a route to settlement
What the official sources say
“those routes (for example, the Skilled Worker route) that currently lead to settlement after 5 years continuous stay will cease to do so and will default to a qualifying period of 10 years, except where an earned reduction on the basis of contribution or integration applies.”
“it is proposed that those with 3 years of continuous residence as a Global Talent worker or Innovator Founder will benefit from a reduction of up to 7 years.”
“This consultation ran from 20 November 2025 to 11:59pm on 12 February 2026”
“We are currently reviewing the responses to our consultation on the new the rules around settlement…”
Quotes are copied from the official pages on the dates shown. This page is a summary, not legal advice: rules can change, so check the source before you act.
More visa changes in the UK
All of Visa WatchGraduate
UK Graduate visa cut to 18 months from 2027
Graduate visas applied for on or after 1 January 2027 will last 18 months instead of 2 years. Graduates with a PhD or other doctoral qualification still get 3 years.
Settlement (Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Scale-up)
B2 English required for UK settlement from 26 March 2027
Settlement applications on routes including Skilled Worker, Global Talent and Scale-up will need English at B2 instead of B1 from 26 March 2027. The change also applies to people already on a pathway to settlement.
Skilled Worker, Graduate, ILR (fees)
UK visa fees rose on 8 April 2026
Home Office fees rose from 8 April 2026. A Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK for up to 3 years went from £769 to £819, for over 3 years from £1,519 to £1,618, and indefinite leave to remain from £3,029 to £3,226.
Skilled Worker
Skilled Worker English requirement raised to B2
New Skilled Worker applicants, and people switching from another visa, must prove English at level B2. People who had this visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending or updating it need level B1.