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- The UK government is proposing to extend the period migrants must wait before applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from 5 years to potentially 10 years, especially for those with financial inconsistencies or prolonged absences. Stricter language requirements are also being considered.
- These changes align with broader immigration reforms supported by both Labour and Conservative parties aimed at curbing record-high net migration, which reached over 900,000 in mid-2023.
- The proposals complement other visa restrictions targeting certain nationalities, work and study visa tightening, and measures addressing issues like care visa abuse and international graduates’ work rights.
- Employers and migrant workers should prepare for longer workforce planning horizons and potential retention challenges due to extended ILR waiting periods, with sustained immigration constraints expected in the near future.
The UK government is considering significantly extending the time migrants must wait before applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). These changes come alongside the recently proposed visa restrictions for certain nationalities, together forming a comprehensive effort to reduce long-term migration.
Changes to Permanent Residency Rules
Currently, most visa holders can apply for ILR after five years of living and working in the UK. Under the new proposals, this period could extend to ten years for some migrants—particularly those with financial inconsistencies or prolonged absences from the country. Tougher language requirements are also under consideration.
This policy aligns with Labour’s broader immigration reforms, mirroring a similar Conservative proposal to double residency requirements. The changes aim to address record-high net migration, which peaked at over 900,000 in mid-2023 before recent restrictions brought numbers down. However, experts warn that longer pathways to settlement could leave migrants in prolonged uncertainty without significantly reducing overall migration.
How This Connects to Earlier Visa Restrictions
These proposals complement the Home Office’s upcoming white paper, which also includes stricter rules for work and study visas, particularly targeting nationalities with higher asylum claim rates. Additional measures will affect international graduates’ work rights and crack down on care visa abuse.
What Employers and Workers Should Know
- Longer Workforce Planning: Employers sponsoring migrant workers may need to account for extended visa renewals before employees qualify for permanent residency.
- Retention Challenges: Workers facing a decade-long wait for ILR may reconsider long-term stays in the UK.
- Policy Uncertainty: With both major parties supporting stricter rules, businesses should prepare for sustained immigration constraints.
For companies, strategic visa planning will be essential to adapt to these changes. For support from local immigration experts, talk to our team.
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