The recent proposed developments in UK immigration policy, make it important for those planning their long-term future in the country to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (‘ILR’) as soon as they are eligible.
What’s Changing?
On 12 May 2025, the UK Home Office outlined its proposed reforms aimed at reducing migration and introducing so called “earned settlement”.
Under the proposals, many visa holders – including those on the Skilled Worker route – could see the minimum time required to qualify for ILR double from five to ten years. While some exceptions are expected (such as for partners of British citizens, victims of domestic abuse, and those on EU Settlement Scheme routes), the majority of working migrants could be affected.
The Government debated the proposals on 8 September 2025, and a public consultation is expected later this year. It remains unclear from the debate whether individuals nearing the end of their current five-year qualifying period will be ‘grandfathered’ or exempt. However, many MPs from across the political spectrum have called for protections for those already on a five-year route—including both Skilled Worker and BNO visa holders.
Although no changes have yet come into effect, we strongly advise those who are eligible to take steps now to secure ILR before any new rules are introduced.
Why Apply As Soon As you can
To Avoid Higher Long-Term CostsIf the ILR qualifying period is extended from five to ten years, this would lead to additional visa renewals costs (such as Home Office application fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and possible legal expenses). These costs would multiply for families with dependants.
If you apply as soon as you are eligible under the current rules, you could avoid the financial burden of multiple renewals necessary to enable you to stay and work legally in the UK.
To Secure Certainty and Stability
For those migrants who plan a permanent stay in the UK, and who have planned their lives along the five-year timeline, an extension to ten-year timeline may extend the uncertainty and disrupt their personal and professional plans.
For Faster Integration and Greater OpportunitiesSecuring ILR it unlocks greater freedoms in employment, education, travel. It is also the route to British citizenship.
The sooner ILR is obtained, the sooner you can benefit from these rights and feel fully settled and integrated in the UK.
What is Next?
Although a public consultation is expected in 2025 before any changes are implemented, if the proposed reforms are approved, they could come into effect immediately, with no transitional protections.
What should you do? Don’t delay
Taking control of your future now is the most effective way to ensure you are not negatively affected by any upcoming changes. If you are currently eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – or expect to be soon – you should act now. We can also assist you by assessing your eligibility for ILR.
At Carter Lemon Camerons, our highly experienced team of immigration lawyers is led by Robert Sookias, a solicitor who has specialised in immigration law since 1979. He is well known for handling complex immigration cases and applications.
We can assist you throughout the entire process – from checking your eligibility to the successful submission of your application.
Don’t wait for the rules to change. Take steps today to secure your future in the UK.
Contact our immigration team by emailing Robert Sookias at RobertSookias@cartercamerons.com.