Free Tool
Earned Settlement Timeline Calculator
See how the UK's proposed Earned Settlement reforms could affect your ILR timeline. Enter your details to estimate your qualifying period.
Earned Settlement Timeline Calculator
Based on proposed 2026 reforms
The start date of your first qualifying visa in the UK.
Assessed over the 3 years before you apply. £50,270+ gives −5 years; £125,140+ gives −7.
The minimum rises to B2 from March 2027. Only C1 gives a reduction (−1 year).
Claiming public funds adds +5 years (under 12 months) or +10 years (12+ months).
How It Works
Select your visa route
Choose your current UK visa category. Global Talent and Innovator Founder routes qualify for a larger reduction.
Enter your details
Provide your visa start date, income, English level, and any reductions or public-funds history.
See your qualifying period
View your estimated qualifying period and how each reduction or increase affects it.
Compare with current rules
See how your timeline under the proposed system compares to the current 5-year rule, and what could shorten it.
What is Changing?
The proposed Earned Settlement reforms would replace the current flat qualifying period with a 10-year baseline that is adjusted up or down by your circumstances.
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
- •Default 10-year period, adjusted up or down
- •Biggest reductions from income (−5 at £50,270, −7 at £125,140) and public-service work
- •As little as 3 years for the highest earners; no 5-year floor
- •Family of British citizens −5 years; refugees start from 20 years
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 set a default of 10 years and then adjust it: specific circumstances take years off (for example, earning £50,270+ gives −5 years and £125,140+ gives −7), while others add years (for example, claiming public funds adds +5 to +10). Despite how it is often described, it is not a points system — the adjustments are measured in years.
When do the new ILR rules start?
The consultation on the Earned Settlement reforms closed on 12 February 2026, and the government is now analysing the responses. The Home Secretary has said she aims to enact the finalised policy later in 2026, but no specific start date has been confirmed. 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 can I get the shortest ILR timeline?
The shortest timelines come from the largest reductions off the 10-year baseline. Earning £125,140+ over the 3 years before you apply, or spending 3 years as a Global Talent or Innovator Founder, gives −7 years (as little as 3 years total). Earning £50,270+, spending 5 years in a qualifying public-service role, or being the partner, parent or child of a British citizen each gives −5 years (a 5-year period). Only your single largest reduction counts — they do not stack.
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 — the proposals would apply to everyone in the UK who has not yet been granted ILR. Partners, parents and children of British citizens receive a −5 year reduction that keeps them at roughly 5 years. Existing ILR holders and the EU Settlement Scheme are out of scope, but refugees would start from a longer 20-year baseline. If you are already close to completing your 5-year qualifying period, applying under the current rules before any change takes effect is the safest step.
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.