In May 2025, the UK Government announced plans to reshape eligibility for settlement and citizenship across some immigration routes. The change most clients are asking about is the proposal to replace the default 5-year qualifying period with a 10-year earned settlement requirement. This article covers what we know so far about this and other related questions.
The Government’s broad plan to reform the immigration system is set out in a White Paper published on 12 May 2025. In this article, we focus on earned settlement and earned citizenship proposals in the paper. For more information about other policy changes, including proposed changes to the Skilled Worker route, see our article UK government releases immigration White Paper aimed at lowering net migration.
Key Points
- The current 5-year settlement period will be replaced by a 10-year earned settlement requirement under the new proposal.
- Some individuals may qualify for settlement sooner based on specific points-based criteria related to their contributions to the UK.
- The White Paper lacks detail on what the points-based criteria will entail.
- There are concerns that the policy may harm integration rather than assist it.
- It remains unclear if dependants will also need to meet the points test independently for settlement.
- The implementation timeline for these changes is yet to be confirmed.
- Businesses are advised to prepare for the impact on their workforce in light of potential longer qualifying periods.
Why should I read this?
If you’re involved with immigration in the UK, whether as a potential settler, employer, or advisor, this article gives you the lowdown on some pretty major changes coming down the line. The shift from a 5-year to a 10-year qualifying period isn’t just a bit of paperwork—it could reshape lives and businesses. Get clued up so you’re not caught off guard!
