23/11/2025
๐ฌ๐ง UK set to Immigration Changes by April 2026
The UK Government has published major proposals that would overhaul how people qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). These changes are still under consultation โ but if implemented, theyโre expected to take effect from April 2026.
๐ Main Changes Proposed
๐ธ Standard ILR route extended from 5 years to 10 years for most visa categories.
๐ธ ILR will become โearnedโ, not automatic โ with new mandatory criteria:
โข Clean criminal record
โข Higher English level (around A-level/B2โC1)
โข Sustained National Insurance/earnings
โข No UK debt
๐ธ Faster settlement for certain groups:
โข High earners (3โ5 years)
โข Public service workers (around 5 years)
โข Degree-level English speakers
โข Volunteers (5โ7 years, under consultation)
๐ธ Slower settlement for others:
โข People who have claimed benefits (15โ20 years)
โข Irregular entrants (up to 30 years)
โข Lower-skilled workers (potential 15-year route)
๐ธ Partners of British citizens stay on the current 5-year route.
๐ธ Windrush, EU Settlement Scheme, and existing ILR holders not affected.
๐ธ Possible new rule: ILR may no longer automatically give access to benefits (under consultation).
๐ธ Government is still deciding if transitional arrangements will protect those already living in the UK.
๐ Consultation is open until February 2026. These are not yet final rules โ but they are the governmentโs proposed direction.