Closed petition: Shorten residency period for undocumented migrants to apply to regularise status

Closed on 2 June 2025

Allow undocumented people in the UK to regularise their status based on a shorter residency period, enabling all migrants here over 5 years to apply for ILR, then citizenship, and those here under 5 years to apply for secure residency, upholding the human rights of these integral members of society.

We think current rules make regularisation impossible for most undocumented migrants, many who've lived in the UK for over 5 years. We think high fees and lengthy processes, like the 20-year residency requirement, push them to society’s margins, facing exploitation and destitution. The 10-year route to settlement can cost over £18,000. We think a simple, affordable 5-year path to settlement would uphold human rights, promote social cohesion, allowing full, safe participation in society.