UK settlement examples
Each example runs a typical situation through the new earned settlement rules. Pick the one closest to yours, or use the checker for a personalised estimate.
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.
Work routes
- Skilled Worker who arrived in 2022Default 10-year pathway for earnings under £50,271
- Skilled Worker earning over £50,2715-year pathway for higher-rate earners
- Skilled Worker earning over £125,1413-year pathway for the highest earners
- Nurses, teachers, doctors and social workersPublic service 5-year pathway
Care and public service
- Care worker who arrived before May 20255-year route for existing care workers who meet requirements
- Care worker not meeting the route requirementsSecond-chance visa for those who miss the requirements
- Care worker who arrived or switched after May 2025Standard 10-year pathway for later arrivals
- Nursing auxiliaries and teaching assistantsOne-off route for lower-skilled public service workers
Family routes
- Partner or parent of a British citizen5-year pathway for recognised British connections
- Partner of a non-British personDefault 10-year pathway for other family routes
Refugees and protection
- Refugees on resettlement and other safe and legal routesFastest refugee pathway: 5 years
- Refugee who claimed asylum in the UKCore Protection (20 years) or Protection Work and Study (10 years)
- Small boat arrival with refugee status, not in work or study30-year pathway on Core Protection after illegal entry
- Small boat arrival in work or study20-year pathway for illegal entrants in work or study
What can lengthen the wait
- Immigration breach as an adult20 years after overstaying or breaching conditions
- Claimed public funds in the last five years20 years unless you have 5 clean years
- Criminal record and settlementAny adult UK criminal record leads to refusal