Under the Government’s proposed reforms, the UK’s settlement framework could undergo its most significant change in decades:
Longer routes to settlement: The standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) would rise from five to ten years for most migrants.
An “earned settlement” system: Migrants who demonstrate long-term economic and social contributions could qualify earlier through a new points-based framework.
“The government wants settlement to reflect not just time spent in the UK, but the value contributed to it.”
Key factors being considered include:
Continuous employment and regular National Insurance contributions.
Active participation in local communities such as volunteering or civic engagement.
For context, our previous article on Settlement Rules and Border Control explores how recent announcements by the Home Secretary laid the foundation for these upcoming reforms.
The Committee's inquiry seeks to understand the evidence base for extending settlement routes and the social and economic effects of these reforms. It aims to ensure new policies are informed by both data and lived experience — from employers managing recruitment challenges to migrants seeking long-term stability.
Potential Impact of Longer Settlement Routes
The inquiry invites evidence on:
How settlement pathways affect migration and settlement rates.
Implications of a longer route to ILR for:
Employers and businesses — including recruitment and retention of skilled workers.
Migrant households — financial costs, access to benefits, and personal wellbeing.
Impact on integration and community cohesion.
Comparative insights from other countries with similar systems.
“Employers warn that extending the settlement route could double sponsorship costs and deter global talent.”
Defining “Earned Settlement”
The Committee is also seeking views on how long-term contribution should be defined and measured, including:
Economic contributions: employment continuity, tax and NI payments, addressing UK skills gaps.
Social contributions: volunteering, civic participation, and community involvement.
It will also consider possible exemptions (e.g. humanitarian or family routes) and international approaches to contribution-based settlement frameworks.
The Committee welcomes responses from:
Employers and sector associations managing sponsorship or workforce planning.
Universities and research institutions employing international staff.
Migrant support groups and immigration practitioners.
Policy and economic analysts with relevant data or comparative insight.
“Stakeholder input will be vital in ensuring the system is fair, workable, and economically sustainable.”
Written evidence can be submitted via the Home Affairs Committee website until 2 December 2025.
The findings will help shape the UK’s future settlement system — balancing fairness for migrants with clarity for employers and accountability for policymakers.