Free Tool
Earned Settlement Timeline Calculator
See how the UK's proposed Earned Settlement reforms could affect your ILR timeline. Enter your details to calculate your points and estimated qualifying period.
Earned Settlement Timeline Calculator
Based on proposed 2026 reforms
The start date of your first qualifying visa in the UK.
Points are awarded based on salary bands starting at £38,700.
B1 is the current minimum. Higher levels earn additional points.
How It Works
Select your visa route
Choose your current UK visa category. Some routes like Spouse may be exempt from the new rules.
Enter your details
Provide your visa start date, salary, English level, and any additional qualifying factors.
See your points and timeline
View your total points, how each factor contributes, and your estimated ILR qualifying period.
Compare with current rules
See how your timeline under the proposed system compares to the current 5-year rule, and what you can do to earn more points.
What is Changing?
The proposed Earned Settlement reforms would replace the current flat qualifying period with a points-based system.
Current Rules
- •Flat 5-year qualifying period for most work visas
- •Same timeline regardless of salary or skills
- •Must meet absence limits (180 days in any 12 months)
- •B1 English and Life in the UK test required
Proposed Rules
- •Base period of 10 years, reduced by earning points
- •Points from salary, English, qualifications, sector
- •5 years still achievable with 40+ points
- •Some routes (spouse, refugee) may be exempt
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Earned Settlement?
Earned Settlement is the UK government's proposed reform to the route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Instead of the current flat 5-year qualifying period for most work visas, the new system would use a points-based approach where the qualifying period ranges from 5 to 10 years depending on how many points you earn through factors like salary, English language ability, UK qualifications, and sector of work.
When do the new ILR rules start?
The Earned Settlement reforms are expected to be introduced in 2026, but no specific date has been confirmed. The government has published proposals and is consulting on the details. Transitional arrangements are expected for those already in the UK on qualifying visas. We recommend checking the official GOV.UK website for the latest updates.
How many points do I need for the shortest ILR timeline?
Under the proposed rules, you need 40 or more points to qualify for the shortest possible timeline of 5 years (the same as the current system). Points are earned from salary level (up to 20 points), English language proficiency (up to 10 points), UK qualifications (up to 10 points), working in a shortage occupation (5 points), and working in the public sector (5 points). The maximum possible is 50 points.
Am I affected by the Earned Settlement reforms?
If you hold a Skilled Worker, Health & Care Worker, Global Talent, Innovator, or Student visa, you are likely to be affected. Spouse and partner routes may be treated differently, with the government indicating these could retain existing settlement timelines. Refugees and those on protection routes are also expected to be exempt. If you are already close to completing your 5-year qualifying period, transitional arrangements may apply.
What happens if I'm already on a 5-year visa route?
The government has indicated that transitional arrangements will be put in place for those already in the UK on qualifying visas. The exact details have not been confirmed, but it is expected that people who started their qualifying period before the reforms take effect may be allowed to settle under the current 5-year rules. It is important to keep track of your visa dates and qualifying period in case the rules change.