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Planning to settle in the UK? How ILR works now, and the changes announced for 2027

Settling in the UK means getting indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Today, many work routes usually require 5 years in the UK, some routes are shorter, and the long residence route needs 10 years or more. On 2 November 2026 the government set out its earned settlement reforms, with a 10-year default qualifying period and shorter routes for some groups, but further guidance is due before they take effect. A higher English language requirement for most settlement applicants is due from March 2027. Anyone who already has settled status will keep it.

Reviewed 09/11/2026 · Applies to: UK-wide

Who this helps

People in the UK on work, family or other visas who hope to settle permanently, and their families.

What to do

  1. Use the official indefinite leave to remain checker to see which route applies to you. The rules depend on your visa and circumstances.
  2. If you are on a work route, note that you must usually have lived and worked in the UK for 5 years. Some routes, such as Innovator Founder and Global Talent, can be 3 years.
  3. If you are on a family route, your eligibility depends on your partner, parent, child or other relative who is British or settled.
  4. If you have lived in the UK for 10 years or more, check whether the long residence route applies to you.
  5. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their families apply through the EU Settlement Scheme instead. The government says the earned settlement reforms do not affect it.
  6. Plan for the English requirement: from March 2027, most settlement applicants must meet a higher, A-level equivalent English standard.
  7. Watch for official guidance on earned settlement. It sets a 10-year default with shorter routes for some groups, and the government will publish further guidance before it takes effect.
  8. Keep records of your residence, absences and visa conditions, and get advice from a regulated immigration adviser if your case is complex.

Before you act

  • The earned settlement changes were announced on 2 November 2026 but have not yet taken effect, and the start dates for most people have not been published. Check the latest official guidance before you apply.
  • Existing settled status will not be removed, according to the government's announcement.
  • This is general information, not legal advice. Only use advisers regulated to give immigration advice.

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

Check if you can get indefinite leave to remain (GOV.UK) ↗

Destination: www.gov.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.