The 5-year ILR pathway

Five ways to reach the 5-year pathway

1. Higher earnings

Earning at least £50,271 a year, the higher rate tax threshold, in 3 of the last 5 years. The “best years” approach means up to two lower years are allowed. This applies to the high-talent routes: Skilled Worker (including Health and Care), Global Talent, Scale-up, Innovator Founder and International Sportsperson.

2. Public service in health and education

Working in a qualifying public sector health or education role paid on a national pay scale, such as doctors, nurses, midwives, teachers, social workers, pharmacists and paramedics. You need to have worked in the role for 5 years. See the full list of qualifying occupations.

3. A British connection

Partners, parents and children of British citizens, and UK Ancestry visa holders, keep a 5-year pathway. Partners of people who are settled but not British do not count as a British connection. See partner visas and UK Ancestry.

4. Existing care workers

Care workers who entered or switched into the route before 12 May 2025 keep 5 years if they earn at least £25,000 and meet the sponsorship and employment rules. See care workers.

5. Existing national pay scale support roles

People who came before 12 May 2025 to work in health or education support roles on national pay scales, such as nursing auxiliaries and teaching assistants, keep a 5-year route under a one-off transitional arrangement.

Refugees on resettlement schemes

Refugees who arrived through designated safe and legal routes, such as the UK Resettlement Scheme, can also settle after 5 years. See refugees.

Mandatory requirements

You must still meet every mandatory requirement: no criminal record, no Government debt, B2 English, the Life in the UK test and the minimum contribution. Public funds in the last 5 years or an adult immigration breach would move you to 20 years.

Example