Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Changes 2025: What Migrants Need to Know

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Changes 2025

On 12 May 2025, the UK government published its white paper Restoring Control Over the Immigration System. Among the wide-ranging reforms proposed, one of the most significant – and controversial – is the plan to increase the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five years to ten years.

This proposal has major implications for migrants, employers, and families. At Deluxe Law Chambers, our immigration solicitors explain what the ILR changes mean, who will be affected, and what steps you should take now to protect your route to settlement in the UK.

What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the UK’s form of permanent residence. It allows a migrant to:

• Live in the UK without time restrictions.
• Work without requiring visa sponsorship.
• Access certain benefits.
• Apply for British citizenship after meeting the residence requirements.

Currently, most work-based and family-based visa routes offer a 5-year pathway to ILR. However, the government’s 2025 white paper proposes to double this standard qualifying period to 10 years.

The Proposed ILR Changes

The white paper sets out the following reforms:

• Default settlement period extended: Most migrants will need to complete 10 years of lawful residence in the UK before applying for ILR.
• Earned Settlement Pathway: A shorter route will be introduced for migrants who make strong “Points-Based contributions to the UK economy and society.” Details of how these points will be awarded are still to be confirmed.
• Exemptions:
  • Partners of British citizens will continue to qualify for ILR after 5 years.
  • Victims of domestic abuse will also retain a 5-year route.
  • People with rights under the EU Settlement Scheme remain entitled to permanent residence after 5 years, as guaranteed by the UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement.

Who Will Be Affected by the ILR Reforms?

The government has confirmed that partners of British citizens, EUSS applicants, and victims of domestic abuse will not be affected. However, uncertainty remains for other visa categories:

• Skilled Worker visa holders – currently on a 5-year ILR route.
• Global Talent visa holders – previously eligible for settlement after 3 or 5 years.
• Innovator Founder visa holders – with existing accelerated settlement options.
• Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders – currently qualifying after 5 years, but confirmation is pending.

The minister for migration and citizenship has stated that details of which routes are covered will be finalised after a public consultation later in 2025.

Will People Already in the UK Have to Wait Longer?

This is one of the most pressing concerns for migrants.

• The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has confirmed that the settlement reforms will go to consultation before implementation.
• The white paper’s technical annex suggests the changes could affect those already in the UK, noting that “a number of those currently in the UK are likely to leave due to it taking longer to gain settled status.”
• Reports in the BBC and Financial Times also indicate that current visa holders may be required to wait longer, though mitigations may be offered for people close to settlement.

Until the consultation concludes, there is no certainty – but migrants should prepare for the possibility of being impacted.

When Will the ILR Changes Happen?

There is no fixed date for the ILR reforms to take effect. The government has committed to:

• Publishing a consultation on ILR and citizenship reforms later in 2025.
• Considering feedback from migrants, employers, and organisations.
• Implementing changes via amendments to the Immigration Rules.

As most immigration rule changes take effect automatically unless blocked within 40 days, Parliament is unlikely to vote directly on the ILR extension.

How Should Migrants Prepare?

If you are currently working towards settlement, you should:

• Apply for ILR as soon as eligible – If you will reach the 5-year mark before the new rules are implemented, apply without delay.
• Seek legal advice – A solicitor can assess whether exemptions or transitional arrangements may apply to your case.
• Monitor the consultation – The consultation later this year will clarify which visa categories are affected.
• Consider long-term options – If you are close to qualifying, plan ahead for British citizenship timelines, which may also be impacted.

How Deluxe Law Chambers Can Help

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our experienced immigration solicitors specialise in ILR and settlement applications. We provide tailored advice on:

• Eligibility for ILR under the current rules.
• The impact of the proposed 10-year settlement route.
• Applying early to secure ILR before changes take effect.
• Advising families, Skilled Worker visa holders, students, and entrepreneurs on settlement pathways.
• Challenging unfair Home Office decisions through appeals and Judicial Review.

Why Clients Choose Deluxe Law Chambers?

With offices in Manchester and London, Deluxe Law Chambers provides expert legal advice for all UK visa and immigration matters. Our experienced immigration lawyers are committed to making the visa process clear, efficient, and stress-free from start to finish.

• Our team has over 11 years of practical experience of working in UK immigration law firms and stays fully up to date with the latest Home Office rules and guidance, ensuring accurate and reliable legal advice.
• Every immigration case is different. Our immigration solicitors take the time to understand your circumstances and provide tailored legal solutions that meet your specific needs.
• Where eligible, we offer Priority and Super Priority UK visa services to help you obtain faster immigration decisions.
• We offer flexible video, telephone, and in-person appointments from our Manchester office, assisting clients across the UK and overseas.
• Our immigration lawyers are available seven days a week, including weekends, for urgent and time-sensitive immigration matters.
• We provide clear fixed-fee pricing, with instalment options available and no hidden costs.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, our SRA-regulated immigration solicitors are committed to delivering professional, honest, and results-driven UK immigration advice you can trust.