UK raises residency wait to 10 years, exempts care workers

The United Kingdom government is moving to double the standard waiting period for permanent residency, a shift that will force most foreign workers to wait a decade instead of five to secure indefinite leave to remain. The change aims to tie settlement rights to financial contribution, a policy that has drawn sharp criticism from unions and members of the ruling Labour Party.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood presented the revised rules in Parliament on Monday. She stated that the changes are necessary to ensure settlement is earned rather than automatic. Mahmood argued that linking the right to settle to what immigrants contribute restores fairness to the system.

Under the new framework, which is set to take effect next year, eligibility will be determined by annual income. Workers earning more than 50,000 pounds, or approximately $67,000, will retain the option to apply after five years. Those earning above 125,000 pounds, or roughly $167,500, may apply after just three years. All other applicants will be placed on the new 10-year path.

The median salary in the UK is currently about 39,000 pounds, or roughly $52,000. This figure places the majority of the workforce on the longer timeline. The government confirmed that the rules will apply retroactively to workers already in the country.

A major concession was made for the care sector. Mahmood announced that care workers will be exempt from the extended wait if they meet specific criteria. To qualify, these workers must have met the conditions of their visas and earn at least 25,000 pounds, or $33,500, a year. They will then be eligible to settle after five years.

Mahmood described these workers as having worked hard and answered the country's call during the pandemic. She noted that many care workers arrived in the early 2020s to fill vacancies left by European workers who departed after Brexit. This exemption addresses fears that the new rules would penalize a sector that has long struggled to find staff.

The rules also create distinct timelines for refugees. Those arriving through government-approved safe and legal routes will wait five years. Other refugees face a standard 20-year wait, which is reduced to 10 years if they are working or studying. Those who arrived by what Mahmood termed illegal methods, such as small boats across the English Channel, could wait as long as 30 years.

Applicants will face additional hurdles under the new system. Disqualifications include having a criminal record, owing money to the government, or failing to make at least three years of national insurance contributions. Applicants must also demonstrate they can speak English to a high standard.

The government estimates that half a million people will settle later than previously planned. Mahmood said this delay would save the state billions of pounds in benefits. The agency projects that 1.4 million people will receive settled status between 2026 and 2030.

The announcement follows a 12-week public consultation that received more than 200,000 responses. Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government cited improved law enforcement cooperation with France, claiming it has reduced Channel crossings by more than 40 percent compared with 2025.