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Policy Analysis
Understanding 'Earned Settlement' vs 5-Year Route
November 20, 2025 •
5 min read
The current pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is based on a clear, contract-like 5-year timeline. You work, you pay taxes, you obey the law, and after 5 years, you settle.
The Proposal:
New government proposals suggest shifting towards "Earned Settlement" or a points-based progression. Leaked reports suggest this could retrospectively extend the route to 8, 10, or even 15 years.
The Impact:
* Retrospective Application: Applying new rules to people *already here* violates the principle of legitimate expectation.
* Financial Ruin: An extra 5 years of visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) could cost a family of four an additional £40,000+.
* Integration Delayed: It delays the ability to buy homes, invest in businesses, and fully integrate into British society.
We are fighting to ensure that any new rules apply *only* to new arrivals, preserving the rights of those who have already built their lives here.
The Proposal:
New government proposals suggest shifting towards "Earned Settlement" or a points-based progression. Leaked reports suggest this could retrospectively extend the route to 8, 10, or even 15 years.
The Impact:
* Retrospective Application: Applying new rules to people *already here* violates the principle of legitimate expectation.
* Financial Ruin: An extra 5 years of visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) could cost a family of four an additional £40,000+.
* Integration Delayed: It delays the ability to buy homes, invest in businesses, and fully integrate into British society.
We are fighting to ensure that any new rules apply *only* to new arrivals, preserving the rights of those who have already built their lives here.