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Pathways

The 20-year ILR pathway

The longest standard pathway applies when someone has relied on public funds or broken immigration rules. Here is who it affects and how to move back to a shorter route.

Last reviewed 4 November 2026Based on the Government response CP 1707

Who is placed on 20 years?

  • People who have claimed public funds in the 5 years before applying. This applies whatever your earnings. See public funds.
  • People with a qualifying immigration breach as an adult, such as overstaying, working in breach of visa conditions or using deception. See immigration breaches.
  • Refugees on Core Protection, the basic protection route for people who are not in sustained work or study. See refugees.

The extra 10 years for illegal entry

Anyone who entered the UK illegally as an adult will ordinarily face an additional 10 years on top of their pathway. For someone on Core Protection, that could mean 30 years. This does not apply where Article 31 of the Refugee Convention protects the person, broadly where they came directly to the UK and claimed asylum without delay.

See which pathway applies to you, and your earliest estimated date.

Check my pathway

Getting back to a shorter pathway

For public funds, the Government has said people can return to a shorter pathway by completing a continuous 5-year period on a qualifying route without claiming public funds. Refugees can move from Core Protection to the 10-year Protection Work and Study route by moving into sustained work, education or training.

SafeguardsThe Government has said it will set out safeguards for vulnerable people, including those who claimed public funds in difficult circumstances. Detail is still to come.

Mandatory requirements still apply

Being on the 20-year pathway does not remove the other requirements. A criminal record in the UK as an adult still leads to refusal, and debts must be cleared.

Questions and answers

Is Child Benefit a public fund?

Under the current Immigration Rules, Child Benefit is one of the listed public funds. The exact list that will count for Earned Settlement is expected in guidance.

I overstayed for a few days years ago. Does that count?

Whether a short overstay counts as a qualifying breach will depend on the final rules and any grace periods. Speak to a regulated adviser about your specific history.

This is not legal advice. This guide explains the Government’s published proposals for Earned Settlement, which are not yet in force and may change. For advice on your own situation, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor, or check GOV.UK. Read our full disclaimer.