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The Home Office has launched a major consultation proposing a shift to a universal 10-year pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The consultation, “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement”, runs until 12 February 2026, with implementation targeted for April 2026. This marks one of the most significant immigration reforms in over a decade.

🇬🇧 Key Proposal: A Universal 10-Year Baseline
Most routes will move to a 10-year qualifying period. Only BN(O), partners of British citizens, and certain high-value routes (Innovator Founder, Global Talent) retain shorter pathways.

✅ Core Requirements
Applicants must meet stricter standards across:
• Character – no breaches, debt or litigation;
• Integration – English at B2 and the Life in the UK Test;
• Contribution – earnings above £12,570 for 3–5 years.

☑️ Reduction Pathways
One reduction may apply: higher English, high earnings (£50k+ or £125k+), public service roles or long-term volunteering.

➖ Penalties
Non-compliance (overstaying, illegal entry, claiming public funds) can extend timelines up to 30 years.

⚠️ Major Change: Student, Graduate and Temporary Routes Will Not Count
Time spent on these categories will no longer contribute towards settlement. The 10-year long residence route will be abolished, meaning temporary visas can no longer be combined to reach ILR.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Dependants
Adult dependants will have separate qualifying periods under the new system.

🔄 Transitional Arrangements Are Uncertain
The consultation asks whether protections should exist. Without them, the new rules could apply to all migrants in the UK who have not secured ILR by April 2026. This creates immediate planning risk for students, Graduate visa holders, temporary workers, and anyone relying on long residence.

📰 What This Means Now
With timelines tightening, migrants should review whether they already meet ILR requirements—or will do so soon—under the current rules. Delaying could result in being absorbed into the new 10-year model.

✅ How Passportia Limited Can Support You
Passportia is helping clients to:
• Secure ILR as soon as they qualify,
• Fast-track British citizenship where possible, and
• Develop tailored strategies to minimise future settlement timelines under the earned settlement model.

If you are unsure how these reforms may affect your path to ILR or citizenship, now is the time to take action. 

Contact Passportia Limited for strategic guidance and a personalised assessment of your options.