Free Tool
Am I Affected by the ILR Changes?
Find out if the UK's proposed Earned Settlement reforms affect your path to Indefinite Leave to Remain. Answer a few quick questions to get a personalised assessment.
ILR Reform Checker
Question 1 of 4
Select the visa route you are currently on or most recently held.
How It Works
Select your visa type
Tell us which visa route you are currently on so we can determine if the reforms apply to your category.
Enter your arrival date
We use this to check whether you arrived before or after the reform announcement, which determines transitional eligibility.
Answer a few questions
Tell us how long you have been in the UK and whether you have already completed 5 years of residence.
Get your personalised result
See a clear verdict on whether you are affected, with specific action items and next steps for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is affected by the Earned Settlement reforms?
The proposed Earned Settlement reforms primarily affect people on work-route visas such as Skilled Worker, Health & Care Worker, Global Talent, and Innovator Founder. Family route visas (Spouse/Partner), EU Settlement Scheme holders, and refugees are generally not expected to be affected. The reforms may extend the qualifying period for ILR beyond the current 5 years and introduce additional integration requirements.
What are transitional arrangements?
Transitional arrangements are provisions designed to protect people who were already in the UK on eligible visa routes before the reforms were announced. If you arrived before the cutoff date, you may be allowed to continue under the current 5-year qualifying period rather than being subject to any new, extended timeline. The exact details of transitional arrangements have not yet been confirmed by the government.
Should I apply for ILR before the changes take effect?
If you have already completed 5 years of continuous residence and meet the current ILR requirements (including the 180-day absence rule and English language requirement), applying sooner rather than later is generally advisable. Your application would be assessed under the rules in force at the time of submission. However, you should ensure you genuinely meet all requirements before applying, as a refused application can have consequences.
Do the new rules affect spouse and partner visas?
Based on current government proposals, the Earned Settlement reforms are focused on work-route visas. Spouse and partner visa holders are expected to continue qualifying for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence. However, immigration policy can change, so it is worth staying informed about any announcements that might extend the scope of the reforms.
When will the new ILR rules come into effect?
The Earned Settlement reforms are proposed changes that have not yet been enacted. The government announced the intention to reform the settlement system, but the detailed rules, qualifying periods, and implementation timeline are still being developed. Changes could take effect from 2026 onwards, but the exact date depends on the legislative process. This tool will be updated as more details are confirmed.
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