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Public service

Public service occupations that qualify for 5-year ILR

Public sector health and education workers paid on national pay scales can reach settlement in 5 years. Here is the full list.

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

How the public service pathway works

Under Earned Settlement, people working in qualifying public sector occupations in health and education, paid on national pay scales, can be on the 5-year pathway after working in the role for 5 years.

Qualifying occupations

Health

  • Generalist and specialist medical practitioners
  • Physiotherapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Speech and language therapists
  • Psychotherapists and CBT therapists
  • Clinical and other psychologists
  • Other therapy professionals
  • Midwifery nurses
  • Community, specialist, mental health and children’s nurses
  • Registered nurse practitioners
  • Other registered nursing professionals
  • Pharmacists
  • Optometrists
  • Dental practitioners
  • Medical radiographers
  • Paramedics
  • Podiatrists
  • Other health professionals

Education and social work

  • Further education teachers
  • Secondary, primary and nursery teachers
  • Special and additional needs teachers
  • Head teachers and principals
  • Social workers

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

Check my pathway

Support roles below degree level

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

Check the final listThis list reflects the Government response. The final list and occupation codes will be confirmed in the Immigration Rules.

Questions and answers

Are private school teachers included?

The pathway is for public sector roles paid on national pay scales. Private sector roles may not qualify, but you could still reach 5 years through earnings.

Are GPs included?

Generalist medical practitioners are on the list. Whether a particular GP practice arrangement counts as public sector will be set out in guidance.

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.