The United Kingdom Government has confirmed a major change to its immigration and permanent residency system, increasing the standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain, ILR, from five to 10 years for most migrants.
The new policy, known as Earned Settlement, was formally presented to the House of Commons on Monday, November 2, 2026, by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Under the revised arrangements, migrants seeking permanent residency will no longer qualify primarily on the basis of completing five years of continuous residence.
Instead, the government says applicants will have to demonstrate sustained contributions to British society through employment, earnings, integration, good character and compliance with immigration regulations.
The announcement represents a significant development for thousands of foreign nationals, including Nigerians living, working and planning to relocate to the United Kingdom.
Under the new framework, most migrants earning less than £50,000 annually will follow a 10-year pathway to permanent residency.
However, certain categories of workers will retain a shorter settlement route.
Those earning more than £50,000 annually, alongside professionals in selected public service occupations, including doctors, nurses and teachers, will remain eligible for settlement after five years, subject to meeting the required conditions.
The government has also introduced a faster three-year pathway for exceptionally high earners making more than £125,000 annually, as well as individuals qualifying under certain high-talent immigration routes.
There are also special transitional arrangements for some care workers who arrived under earlier immigration arrangements.
Eligible care workers earning at least £25,000 annually and meeting the required visa conditions will retain access to the five-year settlement pathway.
The new policy also introduces stricter conditions for applicants.
These include maintaining a clean criminal record, demonstrating a high standard of English, having no outstanding debts to the British taxpayer and providing evidence of sustained National Insurance contributions.
Migrants who breach immigration regulations could face a waiting period of at least 20 years before qualifying for settlement.
The government has also outlined additional restrictions for certain categories of refugees and people who entered the country through irregular routes.
Importantly, the reforms are expected to affect people already living in the United Kingdom who have not yet obtained settled status, although specific transitional arrangements apply to certain groups.
The government says the objective is to create an immigration system that rewards economic contribution, public service and integration while tightening eligibility for permanent residency.
For Nigerians considering the United Kingdom as a destination for employment, education or family relocation, the announcement underscores the importance of understanding the immigration rules before making long-term decisions.
It also means that visa holders should carefully review how the new settlement arrangements apply to their particular immigration category, salary, employment history and date of arrival.
The key message from the British government is that permanent residency will increasingly depend not just on how long migrants have lived in the country, but also on their contributions and compliance with the law.
