3 publishers · first seen Tue, 03 Nov 2026 05:14 UTC · updated Tue, 03 Nov 2026 21:25 UTC
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced sweeping changes to the UK's immigration system, increasing the standard qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five to 10 years. The reforms also introduce tougher requirements for applicants, change the settlement rules for refugees, and provide concessions for some overseas care workers. Migrants earning more than £50,271 will be able to apply for settlement after five years, while those earning more than £125,000 and paying the highest rate of income tax will be eligible for a three-year route. Overseas care workers who arrived in Britain between 2022 and 2025 and earned at least £25,000 a year will retain the existing five-year route to settlement. Refugees arriving through Home Office-approved safe and legal routes will be able to apply for settlement after five years, while those who did not arrive through those routes will face a 20-year wait.
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