Earned Settlement explained: the new route to ILR

What is Earned Settlement?

Earned Settlement is the new framework for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), also called settlement. It was set out in the Government’s November 2026 response to the “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement” consultation (CP 1707).

Under the current system, most people on work and family routes can apply for settlement after 5 years. Earned Settlement changes the starting point. Settlement becomes something you earn through your character, your contribution to the economy and society, and your integration into British life, rather than a reward for time spent in the UK.

The four main pathways

Everyone in the framework is placed on a pathway based on their circumstances. The length of the pathway is the qualifying period before you can apply.

Entering the UK illegally as an adult ordinarily adds a further 10 years to whichever pathway applies.

The mandatory requirements

Whatever your pathway, you must meet a set of minimum requirements. Higher earnings cannot make up for missing any of them.

• Character: no criminal record in the UK as an adult. Read the criminality rules.
• No Government debt: NHS charges, tax, National Insurance and Home Office costs must be paid. Read about debt.
• English at B2: up from B1 under the current rules. Read about B2 English.
• Life in the UK test: still required. Read about the test.
• Sustained contribution: at least £12,571 a year in your best years, or £25,142 as a couple. Read about the earnings test.

Which time counts?

Only time spent on a qualifying route counts towards settlement. Work routes such as Skilled Worker and Health and Care, family routes and protection routes count. Temporary routes, including Student, Graduate and Youth Mobility, do not. The 10-year Long Residence route, which let people add together time on different routes, is closing. See Student and Graduate visas and Long Residence.

Who is outside the new framework?

Some groups keep their existing arrangements, including Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders, Afghan scheme arrivals, HM Armed Forces, bereaved partners, victims of domestic abuse, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and children in care. Windrush arrangements and legacy safe and legal routes continue too, and the EU Settlement Scheme is unaffected. See routes outside Earned Settlement.

When does it start?

Not yet. The Government will publish more detailed guidance before the rules come in, and no start date has been announced. Read when the new rules start.