Indefinite Leave to Remain Changes 2025 – What Migrants Need to Know

The UK Government has confirmed that major changes are coming to the way people qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The Home Secretary has announced that the standard qualifying period will be extended from five years to ten years, with new “contribution-based” tests added. These changes could significantly affect migrants planning to settle permanently in the UK.

In this article, we explain what the new ILR rules mean, who will be affected, and what steps migrants should start taking now. We also look at how Deluxe Law Chambers can provide support with ILR applications and appeals.

What Has the Home Secretary Announced?

During her Labour Party conference speech on 29th September 2025, the Home Secretary (Shabana Mahmood) confirmed that ILR will no longer be automatically granted based on residence alone. Instead, the qualifying period will increase from five years to ten years, and applicants will need to pass several contribution-based tests.

These new conditions include:

• Being in lawful employment
• Making National Insurance contributions
• Not relying on benefits
• Meeting a higher English language standard
• Having a clean criminal record
• Giving back to the community, for example through volunteering

She also stated that some migrants may qualify for ILR sooner than ten years if they demonstrate strong contributions, while others could face delays or refusal if they do not meet the requirements.

Key ILR Changes in 2025 Explained

Extended Residency Period – 10 Years Instead of 5

Currently, many visa routes allow migrants to apply for ILR after five years of continuous lawful residence. Under the new rules, the standard period will be doubled to ten years. This will bring ILR more in line with the long residence rule, which already allows settlement after ten years of lawful stay.

New “Good Citizen” Tests

Settlement will depend on more than just time spent in the UK. Applicants will need to show that they are working, contributing taxes, staying off benefits, and meeting higher standards of integration.

Exceptions and Accelerated Routes

The Home Secretary indicated that some people could still apply earlier than ten years if they make exceptional contributions, for example through work in key sectors such as the NHS.

Retrospective Application – Who Will Be Affected?

There has been debate about whether these rules will apply retrospectively. Official sources suggest that existing ILR applicants and those already on the five-year route should not be affected. However, reports indicate that the government is considering measures to stop recent arrivals (post-2021) from benefiting under the current five-year system.

Who Will Be Impacted by the ILR Changes?

The proposed rules will mostly affect migrants who arrived in the UK after 2021 under the post-Brexit immigration system. These include people on skilled worker visas, health and social care visas, and family routes.

If you are already on the five-year ILR route, the government has suggested that the rules will not apply to you. However, given the uncertainty around retrospective changes, it is important to seek professional advice on how your individual case may be affected.

Contribution-Based ILR – What It Means in Practice

The new ILR tests will focus on ensuring applicants have “earned” their right to settle permanently.

• Employment and National Insurance contributions: You will need to show proof of steady employment and payment of taxes through payslips and HMRC records.
• No reliance on public funds: Claiming benefits could harm your chances of securing ILR.
• Community contributions: Volunteering and charitable work may strengthen your application.
• English language requirement: The level of English required will increase, in addition to passing the Life in the UK test.
• Good character: A clean criminal record will remain essential.

Will These Rules Affect Existing ILR Applicants?

The government has made it clear that applying the new rules retrospectively to all migrants already in the UK would be too complex. However, they are exploring options to prevent those who arrived after 2021 from automatically qualifying under the current five-year system.

If you are already on a visa that leads to ILR in five years, you should consider applying as soon as you become eligible. Waiting may mean facing stricter requirements under the new system.

Alternatives and Pathways to Settlement

Even under the new system, there may still be different routes to settlement:

• Five-year routes: Some visas, such as certain family and humanitarian visas, may retain shorter settlement periods.
• Ten-year long residence: The existing long residence route will continue to allow settlement after ten years of lawful stay.
• Human rights-based applications: In some cases, applications can be made based on family life, private life, or exceptional circumstances.

It is important to review your options and take professional advice to avoid delays or refusals.

Preparing for ILR Under the New Rules

Migrants planning to apply for ILR after 2025 should begin preparing now. Key steps include:

• Keeping full records of employment and National Insurance contributions
• Avoiding claims to public funds
• Improving English language skills
• Passing the Life in the UK test
• Maintaining a clean criminal record
• Considering ways to contribute to your local community

Taking these steps early will give you the strongest chance of success under the new contribution-based ILR system.

How Deluxe Law Chambers Can Help

Immigration law in the UK is changing quickly, and the new ILR rules create uncertainty for many migrants. At Deluxe Law Chambers, our dedicated immigration solicitors in Manchester can:

• Assess whether the new rules apply to you
• Advise on your best route to settlement
• Help you prepare documents to meet the new ILR tests
• Represent you in appeals and complex cases

Call Deluxe Law Chambers today on 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment online. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

What is the difference between ILR and British citizenship?

ILR allows you to live in the UK without restrictions. Citizenship allows you to hold a British passport and vote. Usually, you can apply for citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months.

The changes to ILR coming in 2025 mark the biggest reform to settlement rules in years. Migrants will need to show more than just years of residence they will need to prove contributions to the UK. While this may feel daunting, careful preparation and professional advice can make the process manageable.

If you are planning to apply for ILR, now is the time to get advice and plan ahead. Deluxe Law Chambers can guide you through every step, giving you the best chance of securing your future in the UK. Contact us on 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions About ILR Changes 2025