On May 12, the British government dropped a piece of news that, frankly, many migrants had been dreading. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the required period of residence to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR, or permanent residence) is planned to increase from 5 to 10 years. Yes, exactly double. And this measure doesn’t just concern hypothetical “future migrants” — it might also affect those already in the UK who are steadily working toward their five-year goal.
Let’s break down what’s changing and what you should do if you’re already in the UK or planning to move.
What exactly is changing?
At the moment, for most visa categories — including the Skilled Worker visa — the standard route to ILR takes 5 years. That means you live, work, pay taxes, follow the rules, and after five years, you can apply for permanent residence.
Now the government wants to double that timeframe to 10 years. Formally, the rule hasn’t been enacted yet, but the announcement has been made, so it’s wise to treat it as imminent.
What if I’m already in the UK?
This is where things get more uncertain. Initially, it seemed the new rules would only apply to those arriving after the changes come into effect. But according to the BBC, the government is considering applying the new requirement to people who already have visas and currently live and work in the UK.
In other words, if you came in through the proper channels expecting a 5-year route, you might now be told: “Actually, it’s going to take longer.” Until the Home Office provides official clarification, the situation remains unclear.
Why is this change being introduced?
The official reasoning is to reduce migration pressure and “prioritise British workers.” The logic goes that making it harder for foreign nationals to obtain ILR will free up more jobs for UK citizens.
However, experts from Oxford’s Migration Observatory are skeptical of this rationale. They argue the impact on overall migration numbers will be minimal — this is a very narrow measure. What will increase, however, is the government’s revenue from visa fees: the longer someone remains a temporary resident, the more they pay for visa renewals, NHS surcharges, and other costs.
Who has already criticised the reform?
Criticism has come from various sides. Some MPs from the ruling Labour Party have raised concerns that the change could negatively affect families who have already settled in the UK — with children, schools, and mortgages.
Charities working with migrants warn that changing the rules mid-way is not only unfair, but also destabilising. If someone came to the UK under one set of expectations, and those suddenly shift, it can seriously impact their life — especially when it involves family, children’s education, or financial commitments.
What about public consultations?
The government has promised that such major changes won’t be implemented “behind closed doors.” Public consultations are planned, during which businesses and civil society organisations can share their views.
In reality, however, such consultations rarely lead to major policy reversals. They’re often formalities. Still, it’s important to take part. The more people speak up, the greater the chance that the government might ease the transition period or make exceptions for those already in the UK.
What should you do if you’re already in the process?
If you’ve just applied for a visa or are already living in the UK, here are a few practical tips:
- Stick to your visa conditions. Now more than ever, it’s important to avoid any violations — they could have more serious consequences.
- Monitor updates from the Home Office. Subscribing to official channels is not just a formality; it helps you stay informed.
- Start gathering your documents early. Whether the qualifying period is 5 or 10 years, preparing for ILR takes time and planning.
- Consult an immigration adviser. Especially if your case is complex — like having a family, changing employers, etc.
- Track your expenses. Visa extensions aren’t cheap, especially if you’re covering costs for several family members.
In conclusion
If you were counting on getting permanent residency after five years and planned your life around it, feeling disappointed right now is completely understandable. For now, the old system is still in place, but it’s very likely that the rules will change soon — so it’s best to be proactive.
The key advice is: don’t panic, but don’t postpone preparations either. New rules aren’t the end of the road — they’re a detour. And the sooner you know which way the road is turning, the easier it will be to adjust your path.