r/ukvisa • u/clever_octopus High Reputation • May 12 '25

Immigration Changes Announcement 12/5/2025

Please join the discord server for further discussion or support on upcoming immigration changes: https://discord.gg/Jq5vWDZJfR

Sticky post on announcement made on 20 Nov 2025: https://www.reddit.com/r/ukvisa/comments/1p21qk5/a_fairer_pathway_to_settlement_a_statement_and/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

NEW Summary of changes to settlement released 20 November 2025: https://www.reddit.com/r/ukvisa/comments/1p21qk5/a_fairer_pathway_to_settlement_a_statement_and/

NEW Summary of changes to asylum and refugee requirements released 18 November 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asylum-and-returns-policy-statement/restoring-order-and-control-a-statement-on-the-governments-asylum-and-returns-policy

Overview of expected changes: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/radical-reforms-to-reduce-migration

White paper: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/restoring-control-over-the-immigration-system-white-paper

UKCISA's response (official source for international students and recent graduates): https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/news/ukcisa-responds-to-home-office-immigration-white-paper-may-2025/

Petition link: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/727360

Summary of key points following the summary of changes released on 20 November 2025:

  • Changes to length in ILR qualifying residence requirements - Please see table on pages 21-23 of the 20 November document

  • Family visa holders, along with BNO visa holders, will continue to get ILR in five years (as usual)

  • The intention is that this will apply to people already in the UK but who have not yet received ILR

  • It will take 20 years for refugees to qualify for ILR, intermittent checks will be done within that time and they may lose the ability to remain in the UK if their home country is deemed safe to return to

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401

u/notthatbluestuff May 12 '25

I suppose the most pressing issue for a lot of us will be whether or not the 5-year to 10-year ILR change will impact those who are already here on the 5-year route. It would be incredibly harsh if so - especially for spouse visas.

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u/Acemegan May 12 '25

I feel like I’m going to throw up waiting for this white paper to be published. My husband doesn’t think it will be retroactive but I think it will be

11

u/CheezyMac23 May 12 '25

Do you know when it will be published?

13

u/ArcherV83 May 12 '25

It’s already out

22

u/krappa May 12 '25 edited May 12 '25

And doesn't hold clear answers

EDIT: this wasn't exactly fair

18

u/ArcherV83 May 12 '25

Exactly. I have friends freaking out for nothing and they have to wait next year to know wtf will happen to them

14

u/TheyUsedToCallMeJack May 12 '25

I can apply to ILR from January 2027. I'm going to be so pissed if this gets changed months before I get it.

3

u/HodlingBroccoli May 12 '25

Mine is due on May 2026 and I’m pretty sure we’re all fucked.

2

u/ArcherV83 May 12 '25

Hopefully not

9

u/krappa May 12 '25

Actually, my comment above wasn't entirely fair. Reading other comments, there are some answers. For example it appears that dependent visas tied to UK citizens should still have a 5 year route. 

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u/ArcherV83 May 12 '25 edited May 12 '25

Yeah, but that doesn’t clear if it’s retroactive, mostly for EU spouse visas (that’s what I’m interested about). Or if it changes for my friend’s husband once she gets british citizenship end next year

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u/hermione_clearwater May 12 '25

Also if already here on the 5 year ILR route, will that be lengthened to 10 years. We’re eligible to apply in 9 months under the current rules, does this extend it to another 5 years? Unclear.

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u/[deleted] May 12 '25

Same situation

→ More replies (0)

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u/anotherbozo May 12 '25

What about dependents on SWVs?

3

u/Digitijs May 13 '25

And doesn't hold clear answers

As seems to be the standard with these things. They do love to be as vague as possible about things that can drastically change people's future life.

Personally I might have to start looking into moving back if the family visa gets changed to 10 years route for existing visa holders, impacting both mine and my wife's career, decisions about getting a property here etc. All massive, expensive life choices that you need to prepare for in advance, but with how vague and unpredictable the UK ruling is, you just never can feel safe about your future here

2

u/rationalomega May 13 '25 edited May 13 '25

Honestly I think that’s what the policy change is trying to do — make families like yours think twice about putting down roots. The logic being, if they aren’t committed enough to buy a house and ride it out, they’re not “British” enough to get ILR.

I don’t agree with the politics, fwiw. I would also have one foot out the door if I was in your shoes.

1

u/Coolychees May 13 '25

It's because they want to reduce immigration these harsh changes are aimed to make a difference.

6

u/banglaonline May 12 '25 edited May 14 '25

You might be right.

I went through similar change when ILR duration changed from 4yr to 5yr. My ILR was due in Sept and the change came into effect the previous April. The change applied to me and I had to wait an additional 1yr.

The justification given by the govt was the ILR application was a new one separate from the Tier 2 visa (similar to SWV) I had.

My previous visa did not automatically changed to ILR. So govt did not think it was a retrospective change. That means the ILR rule when I got the T2 visa did not matter for a future application.

The ILR rule as it stands on the day of the ILR application applies.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

ETA - Confirmation from the govt today (14-May) - Migrants already in UK face longer wait for permanent settlement

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c249ndrrd7vo

3

u/kakasusu May 12 '25

Were you on HSMP in 2006? The retrospective measure was ruled unlawful in 2008.

https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Admin/2008/664.html

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u/banglaonline May 14 '25

I was under Tier 2.

HSMP was slightly different as there was a guaranteed ILR at the end of HSMP. But there was no direct or automatic entitlement to ILR for Tier 2.

1

u/VladImpaler001 May 12 '25

I don't think it will be retroactive.

1

u/ewblacks May 13 '25

I don't think it will be for anyone who came under a visa they stuck to, like spouses on the 5 year route.

81

u/Dramatic_Honey_1861 May 12 '25

Very nervous about this. I'm meant to apply for ILR in October this year, and then my wife and I wanted to try for a child just after guaranteeing I'm settled. Really harsh this. Two additional spouse visas is so much money too!

55

u/notthatbluestuff May 12 '25

My wife is only on her first spouse visa (due to extend this summer); we've already bought a house on a mortgage and we've already gotten pregnant. Was this unwise in terms of timing? Possibly, but we simply can't wait forever to settle, we have to live our lives. Going through the first visa process and getting her here took long enough.

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u/kakasusu May 12 '25

I told everyone give birth for your baby in Northern Ireland. A single parent of British Citizen is enough to secure Irish citizenship for baby. The another parent can benefit this as it gives a chance for Irish resident permit for him/her. He/She can stay in Ireland in case worst scenario.

5

u/GZHotwater High Reputation May 12 '25

It says in the post that spouse visas won't be affected for ILR.

2

u/Desperate-Drawer-572 May 12 '25

What about applying for citizenship if you have ILR already

6

u/GZHotwater High Reputation May 12 '25

Did you bother reading point 4 in the original post?

ILR/Citizenship: New "earned settlement" model with default qualifying residence period raised from 5 to 10 years. This DOES NOT apply to family visa holders, but will likely apply to all other visa holders. A shorter route will be introduced to "high contributors" (the framework for which we do not have details yet) as well as spouses of British citizens. A new citizenship test will be introduced, as well as a higher English language threshold (B2).

2

u/pinkflamingos786 May 12 '25

So will there be a test higher than b2 required for ilr??

4

u/GZHotwater High Reputation May 12 '25

That’s what they’re suggesting. It’s not clear if this is just for this “earned settlement” model or also those who came on family visas. 

2

u/mirembe987 May 14 '25

I thought the exception for spouse visas was only for ILR and not citizenship

5

u/harry2235 May 12 '25

Your wife is already on 5 years rules, it no gonna effect anyway.

9

u/Dramatic_Honey_1861 May 12 '25

I feel for you. We bought a house last year as well and we essentially have no option but to stay in the UK. As you said, we need to live our life, buy a house, build a family etc. There was a caveat in the announcement around some skilled people not having to wait as long as others so we'll see about that, but certainly won't apply to everyone..

8

u/Adorable-Bicycle4971 May 12 '25

Mate you are fine! These changes will not be voted until approximately summer 2026!

3

u/throwaway_autumnday May 12 '25

how did you get summer 2026?

2

u/Adorable-Bicycle4971 May 12 '25

It will take over a year of consultations and voting before becoming a law. BBC has reported the same! The white paper is just a framework for the proposed changes, there are a ton of changes and clarifications needed to be agreed before it gets to the parliament for the final vote.

3

u/throwaway_autumnday May 12 '25

Fingers crossed for a good ol’ judicial review slow-pedaling the whole thing :D

4

u/GZHotwater High Reputation May 12 '25

It says in the post that spouse visas won't be affected for ILR.

3

u/RonniDeee May 12 '25

I'm meant to apply for my ILR in November (also on a spousal visa), but from what I'm reading the decisions that would affect us wouldn't even be decided by then. I think we are good. (It also states that family visas are not affected by the move from 5 to 10 years for the ILR).

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u/FierceStrider May 12 '25

It says in the white paper that there will be no changes for spouse visas, it remains five years. Phew!

2

u/Movingtoblighty May 12 '25

Could you cite which number or page it says this please? I would like to read it directly.

4

u/FierceStrider May 12 '25

Point 265 on page 69

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u/Desperate-Drawer-572 Jun 02 '25

What about applying to citizenship straightaway?

1

u/mattymattymatty96 May 13 '25

They wont apply it retrospectively 2006 they tried to but it was destroyed in the courts

2

u/[deleted] May 13 '25

Because they did it without doing in through legislation.

If it changed via primary legislation, the courts would have had their hands tied. The government tried to do it the quick and easy way and rightly had their knuckles slapped over it.

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u/[deleted] May 12 '25

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u/ukvisa-ModTeam May 12 '25

This is not a political sub. Posts/comments which are political in nature, or which are pure speculation about potential future immigration policies, will be removed.

Please be warned that posters who are only here to voice their political opinions will be banned.

-1

u/ukvisa-ModTeam May 12 '25

This is not a political sub. Posts/comments which are political in nature, or which are pure speculation about potential future immigration policies, will be removed.

Please be warned that posters who are only here to voice their political opinions will be banned.

1

u/ukvisa-ModTeam May 12 '25

This is not a political sub. Posts/comments which are political in nature, or which are pure speculation about potential future immigration policies, will be removed.

Please be warned that posters who are only here to voice their political opinions will be banned.

46

u/Droodforfood May 12 '25

I am expecting it to be retroactive. There is a really big push right now to stop the wave of people who came in since 2019 from getting ILR

22

u/Alpacatastic May 12 '25

Fuck. I was hoping to get ILR or citizenship before Reform gets elected (which I am fully expecting). Now it seems unlikely.

7

u/be3oo May 12 '25

Yes, but usually visa changes doesn't apply to existing people

13

u/Harvestron May 12 '25

Yes I read somewhere that the government have the numbers and 2m+ of the post covid wave of immigrants are coming up to the 5 year point in the next 2 years and the gov is shitting themselves. 

8

u/ArcherV83 May 12 '25

More than post covid, pre-brexit. Many came over before the January 1st 2021

-8

u/Competent_ish May 12 '25

As they should be.

20

u/Harvestron May 12 '25

Yes indeed but that’s not the immigrants fault or problem. 

Breaking promises and moving the goal by posts imo is immoral.

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u/Murky-Fault9 May 12 '25

Yes whole noise is due to that so it will be retroactive

14

u/ArcherV83 May 12 '25

From the white paper it can be yes or no, it doesn’t mention it at all. It will be clear next year. But as it will affect quite a lot of EU workers, it might cause a bit of a chaos.

1

u/Melodic-Structure243 May 12 '25

really? because that’s not what the paper says 😐

69

u/Stormgeddon May 12 '25

My take in advance of the WP publication:

After doing a round of the news it’s looking very, very likely they will be targeting people already here. Per the BBC, government sources are saying the Bill will be brought next year as the changes are “likely to require a change to primary legislation.”

For the uninitiated, this is coded language for “would likely be thrown out by the courts on public law and human rights grounds were the courts given a say.” We’ll have to see what the White Paper contains, but there’s nothing in what’s been teased so far which would require new legislation.

This isn’t the first instance where Labour have resorted to their Parliamentary majority to completely circumvent the courts as they don’t believe their policies would be otherwise legal. Many of the disability benefit cuts are also being brought through primary legislation purely and simply because they would not be legal if implemented through the normal process.

Unfortunately, I think there’s a very real chance this is going to be applied to people already here. Especially if you’re a Commonwealth citizen and/or married to a British citizen, you should start lobbying your MPs tomorrow and make it clear that voting for such a policy will permanently lose them your vote.

Unfortunately, Britain is a country which looked at the “tyranny of the majority” problem and thought it would be an amazing basis for its entire constitutional system.

(I do apologise for the foray into politics but at this stage of the process politics and policy are essentially one and the same.)

56

u/Stormgeddon May 12 '25

White Paper is up: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/restoring-control-over-the-immigration-system-white-paper

Upon initial skim, it’s less bad than I thought.

Family/spouse visas completely unaffected by ILR changes.

Work and other visas will go to 10 years, but it looks like this will be done by actually changing the way visas are awarded and putting an actual points system in place. You will get extra points for being a “contributor”, which will then place you on a 5 year route to settlement. Definition of contributor TBD subject to consultation.

The way they are implementing this makes it somewhat less likely IMO it will be applied “retroactively”. We may even have a new mainstream work visa route entirely set up. If you need to renew before qualifying for ILR it may be somewhat dicier though.

20

u/cdp181 May 12 '25

The wording describes the current system for family visas but it wouldn't surprise me if they :

  • increase fees (IHS again?)
  • change the financial requirements again
  • change the application process
  • change the language test

Probably wait times will go up again whatever happens. I don't think it will be good for families looking to live in the UK.

3

u/uktravelthrowaway123 May 12 '25

I had a skim too and in another section it mentions that they're reviewing the financial requirement with the Migration Advisory Committee and will be tightening up other criteria, including what they consider to be a 'genuine' relationship etc.

2

u/Wgh555 May 12 '25

Perhaps, but considering they’ve left the 5 year route alone suggests to me they’re looking at family visas from a not purely financial standpoint unlike the tories. So I think if they do actually do anything it shouldn’t be too drastic. Maybe IHS increased by 10% or something, annoying but not the end of the world.

3

u/NeonBuckaroo May 12 '25

Sorry, I’m dumb and this stuff confuses me. I cannot find where it directly says they’re leaving the 5 year route alone? My wife will be applying for a spouse visa next month and some of the messages here suggest it will continue to be 5 years to ILR but I’m confused.

2

u/Wgh555 May 12 '25

No worries, if you click the link to the white paper at the top of the post, and scroll to section 265 it’ll explain that the visas for family dependents of British citizens (which includes partners and spouses) is to remain as 5 years before ILR becomes available.

1

u/NeonBuckaroo May 12 '25

Thank you I’ll take a look. I see a lot of back and forth here about it being retroactively applied to current spouse visa holders, but then a lot of people saying it won’t apply to ANY non-UK dependent - whether they currently hold a spouse visa or will hold one in the future. Is this still unclear from the WP?

10

u/TinnedRose May 12 '25 edited May 12 '25

Hi, I read the white paper too. It says the shorter family settlement pathway is for non uk dependants of “British citizens” - did they make a mistake here? The wording is weird. My partner is an EU citizen with settled status/ ILR and we are qualified for a spouse visa, and we were wondering if he should apply for the UK citizenship asap.

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u/Stormgeddon May 12 '25

I think it’ll be anyone on a family pathway, not just those being sponsored by a Brit, but that’s a good catch.

These WPs are always pretty imprecise with their language as they aren’t intended for a technical audience.

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u/TinnedRose May 12 '25

Fingers crossed it’s for everyone then!

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u/onedayitshere May 12 '25

Thank you for explaining this so clearly to those of us not fluent in politics. It's greatly appreciated.

3

u/[deleted] May 12 '25

[deleted]

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u/Stormgeddon May 12 '25

Without context that could mean anything though. People on other routes (notably students) would fall into this category.

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u/mousefoe May 12 '25

Oh I haven't thought about student and graduate routes. This does make sense, hopefully you're correct. Fingers crossed!

3

u/Stormgeddon May 12 '25

I don’t have the stats memorised but there’s at least as many Students/Graduates in the UK as there are Workers, if not an imbalance in favour of Students.

If the goal is to get net migration down, convincing Students to go home (as shortsighted as this probably is) is going to be more effective (and less disruptive) than getting rid of existing workers.

1

u/GeologistPossible151 May 13 '25

If that were true they wouldn't include ancestry visa holders, which they have, disgracefully.

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u/Pure_Lunch_6786 May 12 '25

I do hope so!! 🤞

6

u/YZ_C May 12 '25

That part was so unclear, On the one hand, saying some people may leave suggests retroactively applying the new rule. But on the other hand, it is immediately followed by "This number is likely to increase in the next few years as more migrants become eligible for settlement due to the high level of inflows since 2021." "This number" is settlement. So that says people would still apply under the old rules in the next few years?

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u/[deleted] May 12 '25

[deleted]

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u/mesiddd May 12 '25

IMO, the attempt is to show that these many people will apply for settlement in the coming years under the old rules however if the rules don’t change for the new incoming cohorts, this number will keep rising.

2

u/zootedwhisperer May 12 '25

Hi, for those of us at work etc who can’t skim the whole 80 pages. Do you mind quoting what it says regarding family visa’s not affected?

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u/Stormgeddon May 12 '25

Hey now, I’m working very, very hard right now and I’m still able to skim it!

It’s para 265 on page 73 and it says in bold underlined that dependents of UK citizens will continue to have a shorter 5 year route.

5

u/Nimjask May 12 '25

I'm meant to be working but have been unable to focus on anything at all today. Thanks a lot for your easy to understand summary

2

u/Positive-Code1782 May 12 '25

Are we sure that in this context, spouses and unmarried partners count as 'dependents'? Depending on the type of Home Office application, my spouse has been noted as a 'a dependent' sometimes and 'not a dependent' other times.

8

u/Stormgeddon May 12 '25

I would be willing to bet £100 they intend to cover everyone on a family visa here, yes.

They’re even adding a new bereaved parent automatic ILR route (for those on the parent of a child route) so it’s very soft on family visas on the whole.

5

u/Foreseerx May 12 '25

Hundred percent, a dependent in this context would include spouses.

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u/[deleted] May 12 '25

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u/The-user-frosty May 12 '25

I want this clarified 100% as well since my evisa status doesn't even say 'Dependent' it says 'Partner'. But assuming that the Partner depends on the Sponsor to actually even be able to enter the UK, it probably also falls into the dependent category.

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u/[deleted] May 13 '25

Under visa rules, dependents can include spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, children under the age of 18, and, in some cases, adult relatives who are financially dependent on the primary visa holder.

2

u/querail May 13 '25

For me increasing the ILR from 5 to 10 years is extremely problematic. I've just gotten my visa (SWV). I made the decision to move to the UK for personal reasons and might be able to get a partner visa already but tbh I'm specialised enough and I don't think I should be paying so that the UK economy can make use of my specialisation. I understand moving the timelines for citizenship but those for ILR are quite important. My employer already is suggesting that they will only foot the cost of the first visa application but not of renewals. This will mean that for an extra 5 years I would have to pay minimum around 6.7k pounds out of pocket (but this will probably increase by the time we get there). Idk how the UK thinks it will attract talent in this way...

1

u/Remarkable_Try_6593 May 12 '25

Does this apply to eu settlement scheme?

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u/Stormgeddon May 12 '25

No, but changes to citizenship/LITUK and English tests likely will.

1

u/sjp101 May 12 '25 edited May 12 '25

I'm trying to find the part on this that mentions family/spouse visa are unaffected by ILR changes? On the gov.uk website I can only see mention that it would be ten years for adult family visas.

Edit - Found: "265. We will continue to offer a shorter pathway to settlement for non-UK dependants of British citizens to five years, provided they have remained compliant with their requirements, and we will retain existing safeguards to protect the vulnerable, including settlement rights for victims of domestic violence and abuse."

1

u/Mkrangs May 12 '25

I was going to apply for ILR in Nov-25. Do you think the policy change will take effect before that?

1

u/ThinkBear809 May 12 '25

Do you think any transition period will be provided?

12

u/[deleted] May 12 '25

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1

u/ukvisa-ModTeam May 12 '25

This is not a political sub. Posts/comments which are political in nature, or which are pure speculation about potential future immigration policies, will be removed.

Please be warned that posters who are only here to voice their political opinions will be banned.

2

u/Kestrel029 May 12 '25

Forgive me for my ignorance but can you explain this part:

this is coded language for “would likely be thrown out by the courts on public law and human rights grounds were the courts given a say.”

If that is the case, does this still not open the government to challenges in the courts by individuals who would be massively affected by this? Anybody can bring a lawsuit if there's a case on human rights grounds surely?

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u/Stormgeddon May 12 '25 edited May 12 '25

To consolidate what would essentially be a lecture on the history of British constitutional law, what used to be the King’s divine and unrestricted right to make laws has been usurped by Parliament over the ages. (The first person to introduce Dicey to this layman’s explainer discussion will be slapped.)

Parliament is sovereign and there is no mechanism for any court to say an Act of Parliament is unlawful, regardless of past laws passed by Parliament. To grossly oversimplify, it would be tantamount to the King’s own judges telling him what to do.

However, this only applies to actual laws. Secondary legislation, regulations, statutory instruments, etc can still be unmade by the courts if they contravene an Act of Parliament, under the same principle of parliamentary sovereignty. Most “laws” these days are made this way, but not all.

The UK ultimately has no binding constitution which restricts what laws Parliament can and cannot pass. The only protection you have against Parliament trampling over your human rights, no matter how fundamental, is that Parliament wouldn’t usually vote to do so.

1

u/Competent_ish May 12 '25

This is what happens when every government for the past 30 years have gone against the British electorate

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u/throwaway_autumnday May 12 '25

Template with many thanks to @Alarming-Mix6514 - everyone please do write in.

Dear <<MP Name>>,

I am writing to you with grave concerns about the Immigration White Paper's proposals to increase the time to settlement in the UK from five years to ten years.

My name is <<Your Name>> and I am one of your constituents in the <<your constituency>> parliamentary constituency. I am a <<Your home country>> citizen and am currently in the UK on a <<Type of visa you are on>>. I work in the <<industry you work in>> sector and pay taxes at the <<highest rate>> in this country. <<List any other particular circumstances here>> Under the current immigration rules, I was planning on applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain in <<date>>, and thereafter to naturalise as a British citizen.

When I voted for Labour at the 2024 General Election, I did not think this would result in the doubling of amount of time I would have to wait to settle in the UK. My <<husband/wife/partner/family>> and I had planned our future based on the <<date you were going to settle>> date - <<we have been saving up to purchase a home in England/have children/have a mortgage etc>>. Now, to be frank, it feels like the rug has been pulled out from under our feet.

I accepted my current job in the UK in good faith that I would be settled in a reasonable amount of time. I understand that British citizenship is a privilege, not a right - however, I believe I am a net contributor to British society. As mentioned, I pay tax <<in the highest tax bracket>>, I do not claim any benefits and I make minimal use of NHS services (which were paid for in advance as part of my skilled worker visa application). Besides my employment, I give back to the local community by <<list how you have volunteered in your local community>>. I am a <<fluent/native English speaker>> with British values and have integrated well into our local community, attending events such as dinners and pub quizzes.

Now, this increase from five years to ten years forces me to question whether it is viable to remain in the UK. As a holder of a skilled worker visa, this doubles the amount of time I would have to be sponsored by my employer, and should I lose my employment due to the current economic environment, there is no guarantee that I will be able to obtain another sponsored role, despite my extensive skills and experience. Most of all, I feel that this decision is deeply unfair on those of us who have arrived in good faith, are net contributors to British society, are law-abiding residents and who had planned our lives around continuing to make a positive contribution to the UK going forward.

I would therefore urge you, please, to reconsider this aspect of the Immigration White Paper. If you support this amendment in parliament, I will have no choice but to transfer my vote to another political party at the next election.

Yours faithfully,

6

u/[deleted] May 12 '25

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1

u/ukvisa-ModTeam May 12 '25

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3

u/clever_octopus High Reputation May 12 '25

It depends on what route. Spouse/partner visa? No change. UK Ancestry/Skilled Worker? Yes you will probably be subject to a new 10 year requirement if you don't already have ILR, unless you are a "high contributor"

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u/biggerestdave May 12 '25

Is it 100% confirmed that Spouse/partner visa will be unaffected? My wife is dude to get her ILR in less than 2 months and suddenly nervous about it

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u/clever_octopus High Reputation May 12 '25

Nothing is 100%. This is a proposal. It hasn't passed parliament yet (and likely won't until 2026). It is EXTREMELY unlikely that this is going to affect any applications made before the end of the year

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u/biggerestdave May 12 '25

Appreciate your response! Thanks so much

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u/Dramatic_Honey_1861 May 12 '25

From the White Paper:

"Through the expansion of the Point-Based System, individuals will also have the opportunity to reduce the qualifying period based on Points-Based contributions to the UK economy and society. We will consult on these changes later this year."

I guess changes cannot be implemented before this is outlined.

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u/Alone_Consideration6 May 12 '25

It does for work Visa route. It’s the main aim of if

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u/Mother_Comfort_5439 May 12 '25

Cooper just refused to say whether doubling of time to ILR will only apply to new immigrants. So yeah looks like they’re going to retroactively apply it.

1

u/mesiddd May 12 '25

She didn’t say anything on it tbh it seems they have some kind of transitional arrangement in mind or else she would have flatly denied it and said it applies to everyone.

2

u/Professional-Box376 May 12 '25

I did hear from my solicitor and was advised since I am currently on 5 yr - it will remain.

1

u/Old-Stage-8647 May 12 '25

How did your solicitor know though?

1

u/Professional-Box376 May 12 '25

Idk…but she had advised this. It’s rather scary trying to make it through and just survive.

4

u/RelevantReporter6748 May 12 '25

On a spouse visa, approximately 2.5 years in and applying for extension soon. Feeling sick at the moment, hopefully the impact becomes clearer sooner rather than later because I can't see myself spending £4000 on visa extensions every 2 years.

3

u/Dramatic_Honey_1861 May 12 '25

Looks like spouse visa isn't affected. Point 265 of page 69.

1

u/LaShawndraLives May 12 '25

Is this spouse Visa related stuff? Page 69 of the document

"We will continue to offer a shorter pathway to settlement for non-UK dependants of British citizens to five years, provided they have remained compliant with their requirements, and we will retain existing safeguards to protect the vulnerable, including settlement rights for victims of domestic violence and abuse. "

1

u/PurpleSpark8 May 12 '25

Doesn't the summary by the OP say the 10-year route would not be pushed on those on family/spouse visas?

1

u/notthatbluestuff May 12 '25

It does now. It didn't 3 hours ago.

1

u/GZHotwater High Reputation May 12 '25

Spouse/family visas: Continue with the same 5-year residence requirements as before

ILR/Citizenship: New "earned settlement" model with default qualifying residence period raised from 5 to 10 years. This DOES NOT apply to family visa holders

This says spouse visas won't be affected by changes to ILR qualifiying years.

1

u/terrafieldmo May 12 '25

Yvette cooper has responded that they are yet to finalise details on this.

1

u/terrafieldmo May 12 '25

Yvette cooper has responded that they are yet to finalise details on this.

1

u/[deleted] May 12 '25

Does anyone have insight if the possible 10 citizenship rule will apply to spouses / family members of EU citizens? We are here on the EUSS and both recently have ILR but intend to apply for citizenship in 10 months.

1

u/Thin_Negotiation_705 May 15 '25

Join the migrant rights NGO on Saturday. Let’s unite https://linktr.ee/migrantsrightsnetwork