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A Fairer Pathway to Settlement – Consultation on Earned Settlement (Nov 2025) 🌟 Key Points Summary 

1. Purpose of the Paper

• The UK Government proposes a new “earned settlement” system.

• Settlement (ILR) will become a privilege, not automatic.

• Aim: ensure migrants contribute, integrate, and follow the rules.

2. Baseline Change to Settlement

• Standard qualifying period will increase from 5 years → 10 years.

• Refugees: 20-year baseline (with possible reductions only through contribution).

• BN(O) and spouses/partners of British citizens: remain 5 years.

3. Four Pillars of the New System

a. Character

• Clean criminal record required.

• Government plans to tighten criminality rules further.

b. Integration

• Must show meaningful engagement with British society.

• English requirement raised to B2.

• Life in the UK test required.

c. Contribution

• Must show real economic contribution.

• Must have income above £12,570 for 3–5 years (consulting on exact period).

• High earners can shorten their qualifying time:

  • Income ≥ £50,270 for 3 years → reduce 5 years

  • Income ≥ £125,140 for 3 years → reduce 7 years

• Public service workers (teachers, NHS etc., RQF6+ roles) may reduce by 5 years.

• Recognised volunteering may reduce 3–5 years.

d. Residence

• Residence alone won’t be enough.

• Long residence 10-year route will be removed, replaced by the new system.

4. Negative Adjustments (Increase in Years)

• Claiming public funds:

  • <12 months → +5 years

    More than 12 months → +10 years

• Illegal entry, visitor entry, or overstaying → + up to 20 years.

• Some people may face total qualifying periods as long as 30 years if combining penalties.

5. Groups with Special Rules

BN(O) holders

• Still eligible for 5-year settlement.

Partners/Children of British citizens

• Eligible in 5 years.

Global Talent/Innovator

• Settlement still possible after 3 years (with reductions).

Children

• Consultation asks how children who turn 18 should be treated.

• Expectation: some requirements (like paying NICs) may be waived for minors.

Armed Forces

• No major changes; pathways remain similar.

Vulnerable groups

• Domestic abuse survivors, bereaved partners, adult dependent relatives will still have fast or compassionate routes.

6. Public Funds / Benefits

• Government is consulting on:

  • Whether settled status should no longer give automatic access to benefits.

  • Benefits might be reserved only for British citizens in future.

7. Special Rule for Health & Care Visa Workers

• Proposed 15-year baseline for workers below RQF6 (e.g., care workers).

• Because this group has low incomes and high dependant ratios.

8. Transitional Arrangements

• Government is asking whether people already in the UK and on the path toward settlement should receive:

  • Transitional protection, or

  • Immediate application of the new rules.

• The Home Secretary explicitly states:
  ➤ People already holding ILR will NOT be affected.

9. Forecasts (Important Context)

• Settlement numbers expected to reach 450,000 in 2028, mainly due to:

  • BN(O) arrivals (eligible from 2026)

  • Big rise in Skilled Worker & Health and Care visas (2022–24)

• Government aims to slow or reduce this forecasted settlement surge.