Key Takeaways
- Most migrants will now need to live in the UK for 10 years (up from 5) before becoming eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- Citizenship and settlement applications will be assessed using a new points-based system focusing on integration, employment, and public contribution.
- The government is proposing easier paths to citizenship for young people raised in the UK who face barriers under current rules.
- The new rule is expected to apply to both current visa holders and new applicants.
The UK Government’s latest immigration White Paper proposes sweeping reforms to the path towards permanent residency and citizenship. Titled the “Earned Settlement” model, these new UK citizenship rules emphasize long-term contribution, integration, and civic participation over automatic entitlements based on time alone.
On 12 May 2025, the UK government announced a major change to its immigration policy: most migrants will now be required to live in the country for 10 years before they can apply for permanent residency, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
This doubles the current five-year requirement and marks a significant tightening of the pathway to UK citizenship. These changes are furthermore a part of the broader new UK Immigration Policy announced through the white paper.
Why Is the Rule Changing?
As the BBC cited, according to government sources, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has expressed concern about a potential surge in citizenship and ILR applications. This expected increase is linked to high immigration numbers in recent years—around 1.5 million foreign workers have moved to the UK since 2020.
Furthermore, the government believes that extending the residency requirement will ensure a more controlled and merit-based route to settlement, aligning with long-term economic and social goals.
Who Will Be Affected by the New Rule?
| Category | Residency Requirement for ILR |
| Most skilled workers and general migrants | 10 years |
| Current visa holders in the UK (post-2020) | Likely subject to the new 10-year rule |
| Non-UK dependents of British citizens | Remain on the 5-year route |
| Migrants with a strong economic/social impact | May qualify for shorter routes |
The changes will likely apply retroactively to people already in the UK, not just to new applicants. This will be confirmed in an upcoming policy document, with a public consultation to follow.
Who Can Still Qualify Sooner?
The UK government has confirmed that some exceptions to the 10-year rule will remain, which means the possibility of faster settlement from 5 to 7 years. These include:
- Dependents of British citizens, such as spouses and children, will still qualify after 5 years.
- Migrants who significantly contribute to the UK’s economy and society—such as healthcare workers, researchers, or community leaders—may be eligible for accelerated settlement.
- Vulnerable Migrants (e.g., trafficking victims).
What Happens Next?
A full policy document outlining the new rules will be published in the coming weeks. The changes will then go through a public consultation process, giving individuals and organizations a chance to provide feedback before the rules are finalized.
What else is changing in the UK Settlement and Citizenship Rules?
1. Points-Based Path to Citizenship and ILR
The government plans to integrate settlement and citizenship into the Points-Based Immigration System. Applicants will earn points not just for residence and employment, but for broader contributions.
Examples of Contributions that May Earn Points:
- Working in critical sectors: Health, Education, Defence
- Exceptional talent in science, technology, or the arts
- Volunteering or community service
- High English proficiency and civic engagement
Note: This system is set for consultation in late 2025. It is unclear whether these accelerated routes will be automatic or at the discretion of immigration officers.
2. Review of the Life in the UK Test
The current Life in the UK Test is widely criticized for focusing on obscure facts. The government plans to modernize it to reflect:
- Better alignment with the ESOL curriculum
- Inclusion of oral or practical components
- A more accurate measure of civic understanding and integration
3. Easier Citizenship for Young Long-Term Residents
Young adults who grew up in the UK often face high fees or legal barriers to citizenship. The new proposals aim to address this:
- Fee waivers for applicants under 25 who have lived most of their lives in the UK
- Simplified registration for children born abroad but raised in the UK
- Clearer guidelines on lawful status and residency requirements during childhood
Conclusion: A Shift Toward Merit-Based Citizenship
These UK Citizenship New Rules represent a broader shift in immigration policy—stricter entry requirements but clearer, merit-based routes to permanent settlement and citizenship. Migrants who contribute significantly to British society through work, service, or cultural engagement will find more structured opportunities to become permanent residents or citizens.