UK Government expects to set out its new earned settlement policy later this year. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the position during evidence before the Home Affairs Committee on 15 September 2026.
The proposed reforms could significantly alter how migrants qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
What Is the Proposed Earned Settlement System?
UK Government has previously proposed increasing the standard qualifying period for settlement from five to ten years.
Under the proposed model, settlement would also be linked more closely to an individual’s contribution and other requirements.
However, the final policy has not yet been confirmed.
Mahmood told MPs that policy decisions would be made “very soon”. She said the Government had received more consultation responses than expected. Analysis of those responses and supporting modelling had therefore taken longer.
What About People Already on a Five-Year Route?
One of the main outstanding questions concerns people already progressing towards settlement. During the Committee hearing, MPs raised the position of migrants who arrived in 2022. Under existing arrangements, some could become eligible for settlement from 2027.
Mahmood confirmed that transitional arrangements remain under consideration. Options consulted upon include allowing certain groups to continue under existing five-year arrangements. Other groups could potentially face different transitional periods. No final decision on these protections has yet been announced.
Which Immigration Rules Will Apply?
The Home Secretary also addressed which rules would apply when someone reaches settlement eligibility.
She told the Committee that applicants are generally assessed under the Immigration Rules in force when they apply, rather than those applying when they originally entered the UK.
This makes the timing and detail of the forthcoming policy particularly important for people approaching settlement.
When Will the New Policy Be Announced?
Mahmood did not provide a specific publication date.
However, she said the Government intends to set out the policy later this year. This will include its position on any transitional arrangements.
Until those decisions are published and the relevant Immigration Rules are introduced, the proposed earned settlement model should not be treated as current law.
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If you are approaching settlement and are concerned about how future reforms could affect your application, call 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
