On 8 September 2025, Parliament held a detailed debate on proposals to double the ILR qualifying period from five to ten years for certain UK visa holders. The discussion was prompted by two widely-supported petitions, one focused on Skilled Worker visa holders and the other on Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders. With tens of thousands signing these petitions.
During the debate, MPs expressed concern that changing the rules mid-way would be unfair to those already on a five-year ILR path. Several points were emphasised:
- Fairness: There is strong concern about how these changes would affect people already in the UK on Skilled Worker or BN(O) visas. Many have planned their careers, families, and finances around the expectation of a five-year route to settlement.
- Economic Contribution: Skilled Workers are vital to the UK economy, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, research, technology, and social care. MPs warned that extending the settlement period could deter talented individuals from coming to the UK or encourage existing workers to leave.
- Moral and International Obligations: The UK made a clear offer to Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders when the scheme was introduced in 2021. Extending the ILR period could undermine trust in the UK’s promises and impact the country’s international reputation.
- Practical Implications for Families: Delays in achieving ILR could affect children’s education (particularly eligibility for home fees), access to benefits, and the ability to travel without restrictions. Families could face additional financial burdens due to prolonged visa renewals.
- Lack of Clarity: MPs pressed the Government for clarity on which visa routes would be affected, how the “earned settlement” model would work, whether current applicants would be protected, and the timeline for implementation. No concrete answers were given, leaving many questions unanswered.
Government Response
The Immigration Minister confirmed that the Government intends to reform the ILR system as part of its wider immigration strategy. However, no commitment was made regarding the protection of current applicants already on the five-year route. The Government has indicated that there will be a formal consultation process before implementation, but specifics on the criteria, timelines, and exemptions are still pending.
Migrate UK’s advice
Given the current uncertainty, individuals and employers should consider the following steps:
- Act Early: Eligible applicants should consider applying for ILR as soon as they meet the current five-year requirement to secure their settlement rights.
- Plan for Potential Costs: Budget for additional visa renewals or fees if your route is extended to ten years.
- Stay Informed: Monitor updates from the Home Office and Migrate UK.
For employers, these changes could affect workforce planning, retention, and recruitment, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on Skilled Workers. Proactive engagement and support for employees approaching ILR eligibility will be critical.
Contact us now on info@migrate-uk.com to discuss how these changes might affect you or your workforce.