Migrants’ Rights Network: Earned Settlement Update

(Note – the below update includes details of the government’s policy decisions on earned settlement, and may be upsetting to read).

Sending strength and solidarity to all following this week’s statement announcing the government’s policy decisions on earned settlement, and the publication of the public consultation. 

This is just a quick update those who may have missed it, or may be looking for more information. We also wanted to acknowledge that while there have been some concessions and carve outs (and shout out to all the incredible campaigning efforts towards this!), the overall government approach to individuals and families remains incredibly hostile, and we appreciate how upsetting and uncertain the situation remains for many of you. 

We will share more info as it comes in, and would be happy to schedule an emergency in the next weeks if anyone would like some space just to come together and check in, or answer any questions/ plan next steps. We still have a small pot of funding available for campaigning/ community building/ education which we can brainstorm together. 

The detailed rules have not yet been published, so the policy is not yet in effect, but the announcement gives a clear indication of the government’s intentions and the direction it wants to take.

Summary of the changes in yesterday’s announcement (copied from the Kingsley Napley Immigration alert, see full alert here) 

  • Timing. The new rules will be published next month and will come into force in 2027. We do not know exactly when. Anyone applying for ILR before the new rules come into force will be able to apply on the basis of the current rules so in most cases they will qualify for ILR on the basis of a 5-year qualifying period.
  • Who will the new rules apply to? When the new rules come into force they will apply to everyone, including existing visa holders. There will be no transitional provisions, except for some care workers and public service workers.
  • New mandatory requirements. Everyone applying for ILR will need to meet the following requirements in the table below. 
  • Dependent family members. In most cases dependent family members will still be able to apply for ILR at the same time as the main applicant.  
  • Long residence ILR applications abolished. Under the current rules some people have been able to apply for ILR on the basis of 10 years’ lawful residence including various temporary visas such as student visas. When the earned settlement rules become law next year the long residence category will close.
  • 5-year qualifying period for higher earners and some other groups. The 5-year qualifying period will not change for:
  • People with gross earnings of at least £50,271 per year for at least 3 of the last 5 years
  • EU citizens and their family members with status under the EU Settlement Scheme
  • Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders
  • Partners of British citizens (not partners of those with ILR)
  • UK Ancestry visa holders
  • Some care workers, doctors/nurses and teachers who arrived in the UK before 12 May 2025.

Further resources:

Join the Not A Stranger coalition

The Not A Stranger coalition brings together people and organisations who believe no one should be made a stranger in the place they call home. It exists to challenge hostile immigration policies and build a movement for dignity, safety and justice for migrants. Find out more about the coalition: https://migrantsrights.org.uk/projects/not-a-stranger/

If you want to connect with others impacted and help build the fightback, you can join here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrAM9pflZruLieyRG9RBclgTcCioIWphg8AOGkNcmFKzAjYQ/viewform

You’re not alone, and we’ll keep sharing information, solidarity and ways to take action. We will continue to advocate against these cruel policies, alongside our allies and partners in the fight, standing with everyone impacted. ✊

With love and solidarity,

The MRN team

Scroll to Top