Earned settlement explained: the UK's new settlement rules
Updated 2 November 2026
Earned settlement replaces a system where indefinite leave to remain (ILR) was granted almost automatically after a set time. The standard wait moves from five years to ten, with faster and slower paths depending on character, contribution, integration and residence.
The five minimum requirements
Everyone must meet these, and higher earnings or public service cannot offset them:
- Good character and suitability. Any adult applicant with a UK criminal record will be refused.
- No outstanding government debt, including NHS debt, tax and National Insurance debt, and Home Office litigation debt.
- Strong English: B2 level, with exemptions for children, people aged 65 or over and people with a qualifying condition.
- The Life in the UK test.
- Sustained contribution to the UK, starting at £12,571 a year.
The four pathways
| Pathway | Who it is for | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years | Exceptional economic contribution | £125,141 in 3 of the last 4 years (or the Highest Talent Group, subject to review) |
| 5 years | Strong contribution | £50,271 in 3 of the last 5 years, an eligible public service occupation, or a recognised British connection |
| 10 years | Default | £12,571 in 5 of the previous 7 years |
| 20 years | Non-compliance or public funds | A qualifying immigration breach, or claiming public funds without five clean years |
What changed after consultation
The government received 204,667 responses. The final framework drops the proposed 15-year wait for lower-skilled occupations (they now fall in the 10-year pathway), adds household income for couples, uses a "best years" approach so a short low-income period does not count against you, and decides not to use volunteering or higher English levels to shorten the wait.
Not yet known
The response does not give an implementation date. It says further guidance will follow before implementation, including detail on public funds, vulnerable groups and refugees. It also notes that applications are ordinarily decided under the rules in force on the decision date.
Source: A Fairer Pathway to Settlement: Government Response to the Consultation (CP 1707), November 2026.
General information only. This is not immigration advice and is not affiliated with the Home Office or GOV.UK. Rules may change and guidance is still to come. For advice on your own case, speak to an OISC-regulated adviser or a solicitor.
More guides
- Earnings thresholds and the "best years" ruleThresholds, best years, household income and exemptions
- Which visa time counts towards settlementCounting routes, non-counting routes and the end of Long Residence
- Care workers and the transitional arrangementsThe one-off 5-year route, second chance and sponsor protections
- Public service occupations that qualify for 5-year settlementThe Annex C list of eligible health and education occupations