Petition Apply proposed changes to the ILR qualifying period to those already here
Apply the proposed changes of increasing the qualifying period for settlement (ILR) from 5 years to 10 years, outlined in the recently released immigration white paper, to the migrants currently in the UK.
More details
The Government's recently released immigration white paper proposes increasing the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from the current 5 years to 10 years.
We think it's vital this applies to migrants already in the UK, not just new arrivals.
Research by the Centre for Policy Studies estimates that if the rules around ILR eligibility aren't changed, over 800,000 migrants will obtain ILR in the years ahead, with an estimated lifetime cost to the taxpayer, exceeding £230 billion.
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Related activity
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Reforms to the settlement system: Share your views with the Government
The Government has recently launched a public consultation on reforming the current settlement system.
Settlement refers to a person’s right to live in the UK permanently without any immigration restrictions. It is also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Respond to the consultation by 11.59pm on 12 February 2026.
The consultation includes questions on the Government's proposed Earned Settlement framework.
More information
The consultation is being run by the Home Office. The Home Office is the lead government department for immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime, counter-terrorism and police.
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