If you live in the UK on a work visa, you have probably heard that settlement will take 10 years instead of 5. Many people are worried about their plans. Is it already law?
Not yet. The UK government proposed a new earned settlement system with a 10 year baseline. The consultation ran from 20 November 2025 to 12 February 2026. As of October 2026, no final rules or start date have been published. One related change is confirmed: higher English for settlement from 26 March 2027.
Short on time? Here is the quick answer.
Your question
The short answer
Is 10 years law?
No. It is still a proposal.
Consultation?
Closed 12 February 2026.
Confirmed change?
B2 English for settlement from 26 March 2027.
Transitional rules?
Not decided.
Confirmed Versus Proposed
Item
Status
10 year baseline for settlement
Proposal
Reductions for high contributions
Proposal
Longer waits for some groups
Proposal
B2 English for settlement on most routes
Confirmed, from 26 March 2027
Settlement fee 3,226 pounds
Current, since 8 April 2026
Proposed Waiting Times
Group
Proposed wait
Baseline
10 years
Partners of British citizens
5 years
Very high earners, 125,140 pounds or more
3 years
Jobs below degree level
Up to 15 years
Serious rule breaches
Up to 20 years
Who Is Watching Most Closely
Skilled Workers who arrived in 2022 to 2025.
Health and care workers.
Graduate route holders planning a switch.
Families planning long term in the UK.
What You Can Do Now
Keep your immigration history clean and your documents in order.
Start preparing for B2 English if you plan to apply from March 2027.
Avoid long absences that could affect continuous residence.
Watch for the government’s response and any Statement of Changes.
What Settlement Means Today
Settlement, also called Indefinite Leave to Remain, lets you live in the UK without time limits. Under the current rules, many work routes lead to settlement after five years. The proposal would make 10 years the starting point, with shorter or longer waits depending on your contribution and situation.
Until the government publishes final rules, the current rules apply. Changes to UK immigration rules are usually made through a Statement of Changes laid before Parliament. As of October 2026, no such statement had been laid for the 10 year plan.
Current rules
Proposal
Typical work route
5 years
10 years baseline
Partner of a British citizen
5 years
5 years
English for settlement
B2 from 26 March 2027
B2
Words You Will See
New to these terms? Here is what they mean in plain English.
Word
What it means
ILR
Indefinite Leave to Remain, or settlement
Consultation
A public request for views on a plan
Statement of Changes
The formal way UK immigration rules change
Transitional rules
Rules for people already on a route
It is natural to feel uncertain while a big change is being discussed. The best thing you can do is focus on what you control: your English level, your documents, your continuous residence and following the conditions of your visa.
This reflects the UK government consultation and published rules as of October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change, so check the official government website on the day you act. For questions about your own case, speak to a licensed immigration lawyer or an authorised representative. World Visa Academy is a training academy; it does not file applications or guarantee any visa or outcome.
The Honest Summary
The 10 year settlement plan is a proposal, not law. The B2 English requirement from March 2027 is confirmed. Keep your record strong and wait for official rules.
Key takeaways
The 10 year baseline for settlement is still a proposal as of October 2026.
The consultation closed on 12 February 2026 and no final response has been published.
B2 English for settlement on most routes is confirmed for applications from 26 March 2027.
No start date or transitional rules have been confirmed for the 10 year plan.
Learn the UK settlement route
World Visa Academy trains professionals on Skilled Worker visas and settlement.
0 Comments
Be the first to comment.