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Pathways

The 3-year ILR pathway

The fastest route to settlement is reserved for exceptional contribution. Here is who qualifies for the 3-year pathway and what they still need to show.

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

Who qualifies for 3 years?

Under Earned Settlement, the 3-year pathway is for people making an exceptional economic contribution. You can qualify in two ways:

  • High earnings: earning at least £125,141 a year in 3 of the last 4 years. This figure is the threshold for the additional rate of income tax.
  • The Highest Talent Group: a group for exceptional talent, linked to routes such as Global Talent and Innovator Founder. The exact definition is being reviewed by the Migration Advisory Committee.

How the earnings test works

The test uses a “best years” approach. You do not need to earn £125,141 every single year. You need to reach it in at least 3 of the last 4 years, which allows for one lower year, for example because of parental leave or a career move.

ExamplePriya is a Skilled Worker who has earned £130,000, £128,000, £95,000 and £140,000 over the last four years. She has 3 qualifying years out of 4, so she could be on the 3-year pathway, provided she meets all the other requirements.

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

Check my pathway

Global Talent and Innovator Founder

If you are applying for the 3 or 5-year pathway on the basis of holding Global Talent or Innovator Founder permission, your most recent permission needs to be on that route. Details of the Highest Talent Group will follow once the Migration Advisory Committee has reported. See Global Talent and Innovator Founder.

What you still need

A faster pathway does not remove the mandatory requirements. You still need:

  • no criminal record in the UK as an adult
  • no unpaid Government debt
  • English at B2 level
  • a pass in the Life in the UK test
  • no public funds claimed in the last 5 years and no adult immigration breaches

Claiming public funds or breaking immigration rules moves anyone, whatever their earnings, onto the 20-year pathway.

Who cannot use this pathway?

People on Family and Private Life permission, including the current 10-year family route, cannot use the 3 or 5-year pathways. The earnings-based pathways are linked to “high talent” permission: Skilled Worker (including Health and Care), Global Talent, Scale-up, Innovator Founder and International Sportsperson. People on other routes, such as Minister of Religion or the partner routes, are not expected to shorten their pathway through earnings.

Questions and answers

Does the £125,141 include bonuses?

The response describes earnings in general terms. Exactly which income counts, such as bonuses, dividends or self-employed profit, is expected to be set out in guidance before the rules start.

Can my partner settle with me after 3 years?

A partner who arrived with you can normally settle at the same time, as long as they meet the requirements that apply to them. A partner who joined later completes the same qualifying period from when they arrived.

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.