Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood set out the government's Earned Settlement model before Parliament on Monday 2 November, replacing the near-automatic route to settlement after five years with waiting periods linked to contribution and character. Under the model, the highest earners will be able to settle within three years, and those earning more than £50,271 a year and some public-service workers, such as doctors, nurses and teachers, after five years.

The new waiting periods

The standard waiting period will rise to ten years for migrants making a sustained contribution, with a minimum earnings threshold of £12,571 a year. Those who have breached immigration rules will only be able to settle after at least twenty years. Monday's figures set the three-year route at earnings of at least £125,141, assessed over recent years.

Four conditions for everyone

Anyone seeking settlement, regardless of when they arrived, will first need to meet four non-negotiable conditions, including a spotless criminal record, up from the current threshold of a 12-month suspended sentence, strong spoken English, and a record of sustained National Insurance contributions. Care workers who met their visa conditions and earned at least £25,000 a year will keep a five-year route.

Announced, not yet in force

The consultation findings published alongside the announcement showed 84% of individual respondents disagreed with the proposed changes. The model is announced policy, not yet law: detailed Immigration Rules changes are expected in December, with the changes expected to take effect in 2027. This article is a general news summary only and is not personal immigration advice. Anyone affected should check current GOV.UK guidance before acting.

Sources: GOV.UK, Home Secretary unveils new rules for migrants settling in the UK, 2 November 2026; Home Office consultation findings and government response CP 1707.