Settlement will be earned through contribution and good character.
The right to live in the UK forever will no longer be granted to migrants almost automatically after five years. Instead, it will be earned, under the new Earned Settlement model set out before Parliament today.
Recognising that settled status is a significant privilege which allows free and unrestricted access to the labour market, NHS and welfare system, the reforms will mean that how long someone waits will now depend on their contribution and character.ยญยญ
The highest earners will be able to settle within three years. Those earning more than ยฃ50,271 and some public service workers โ like doctors, nurses and teachers โ will be able to settle after five years. Others will settle at a new default of ten years. Those who have breached immigration rules will only be able to settle after at least 20 years.
Anyone seeking settlement, regardless of when they arrived in the country, will first need to meet four non-negotiable conditions:
The reforms are largely in line with those set out in the November 2025 consultation However, the government has set out a new, fair deal for care workers.