Pathways

How long you wait for settlement under Earned Settlement.

PathwaysEarned Settlement explainedThe UK is replacing time-based settlement with a system that rewards contribution and integration. Here is how Earned Settlement works and…Pathways3-year pathwayThe fastest route to settlement is reserved for exceptional contribution. Here is who qualifies for the 3-year pathway and what they still…Pathways5-year pathwayFive years remains the qualifying period for several groups. Find out whether your earnings, job or family connection puts you on the…Pathways10-year pathwayFor most people who follow the rules and work, the qualifying period for settlement becomes 10 years. Here is what the default pathway…Pathways20-year pathwayThe longest standard pathway applies when someone has relied on public funds or broken immigration rules. Here is who it affects and how to…

Requirements

What everyone needs to meet before they can settle.

RequirementsCriminal recordsCharacter is the first pillar of Earned Settlement, and the criminality rule is much stricter than before. Here is what it…RequirementsEarnings requirementContribution is the second pillar of Earned Settlement. Your earnings decide both whether you qualify and how…RequirementsB2 EnglishIntegration is the third pillar of Earned Settlement, and the English bar is going up. Here is what B2 means for…RequirementsLife in the UK testThe Life in the UK test stays a requirement for settlement, but the test itself is being…RequirementsPublic fundsUnder Earned Settlement, past use of benefits has a direct effect on how long you wait. Here is how the public funds rule…RequirementsImmigration breachesYour immigration history matters more than ever. Here is how breaches and illegal entry change your…RequirementsGovernment debtOwing money to the Government will stop you settling. Here is what counts as debt and what to do about…RequirementsExemptionsSome people do not need to meet every requirement. Here is who is exempt, and from…

Visa routes

How the new rules apply to your visa.

Visa routesSkilled WorkerSkilled Worker is the largest route affected by Earned Settlement. Your salary and job now decide how long you…Visa routesHealth and Care visaMany NHS staff keep a 5-year route to settlement. Here is who qualifies and what applies to other health…Visa routesCare workersExisting care workers have special protection under Earned Settlement. Here is who keeps 5 years and what happens if you do not…Visa routesSpouse and partner visasWhether your partner is British or settled now makes a big difference to how long you…Visa routesUK AncestryUK Ancestry is recognised as a British connection, so it keeps a 5-year…Visa routesGlobal Talent and InnovatorTalent routes can lead to the fastest pathways, though some details are still under…Visa routesStudent and Graduate visasTemporary routes stay temporary under Earned Settlement. Here is what that means if you are studying or on a Graduate…Visa routesLong Residence closureThe route that let people combine 10 years on different visas is closing. Here is who is…Visa routesFamily and Private LifeFamily and Private Life permission has its own rules under Earned Settlement. Here is what…

Families and special groups

Partners, children, refugees and groups with their own arrangements.

FamiliesPartners and dependantsFamilies can still settle together, with some new rules. Here is how it works for…FamiliesChildrenThe rules for children depend on age. Here is what applies at each…ProtectionRefugeesRefugees follow different pathways depending on how they arrived and whether they are working or…Special arrangementsRoutes outside the frameworkSome groups keep their current settlement arrangements. Here is who, and what still applies to…Public servicePublic service occupationsPublic sector health and education workers paid on national pay scales can reach settlement in 5 years. Here is the full…

Guides

The bigger picture: what has changed and what happens next.

GuidesOld vs new rulesA clear comparison of what changes for indefinite leave to remain, topic by…GuidesWhen the rules startThe rules have been announced but not brought in. Here is what we know about timing, and what you can do…GuidesILR FAQsQuick answers to the questions people ask most about the new route to indefinite leave to…