The government plans to extend the residency requirement for indefinite leave to remain will affect existing migrants, sparking concern and uncertainty

The UK government has announced that migrants will generally need to live in the country for 10 years before applying for permanent settlement, doubling the current five-year period. Crucially, this change will apply not only to new visa applicants but also to the estimated 1.5 million migrants already living in the UK since 2020.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper cited concerns about a surge in settlement applications following recent immigration increases. While some exemptions remain, including a five-year route for dependents of British citizens and shorter paths for those contributing significantly to the economy, the broader move signals a tougher stance on legal migration.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer framed the change as making settlement a privilege earned through contribution. However, MPs and migrant communities have expressed anxiety, with some fearing it threatens their settled status and future in the UK.

Isa, a migrant on a dependent visa, described the shift as a “betrayal” that may force skilled workers to consider leaving the country, potentially harming the UK’s tech sector.

Advocates warn that the longer route could deepen uncertainty and hardship for migrants who have already built lives in the UK. The government plans a public consultation later this year to discuss the new policy details.

Migration experts have highlighted that the policy shift could disproportionately affect families and young professionals who have integrated into British society over the past few years. Many migrants who arrived post-2020 made long-term plans based on the previous five-year pathway, including home ownership, career advancement, and children’s education. Extending the timeline to 10 years, they argue, not only disrupts personal stability but may also discourage future skilled migrants from choosing the UK as a destination.

Business leaders, particularly in the tech and healthcare sectors, have also voiced concern, warning that the changes could fuel a talent drain at a time when the UK is already grappling with worker shortages. Several startup founders and NHS representatives fear that a rigid 10-year requirement may deter high-calibre professionals who are vital to driving innovation and public service delivery. As the consultation period approaches, advocacy groups are calling for clarity, fairness, and transitional measures to prevent those already contributing from being unfairly penalised.