Visas
ILR in 5 Years or 10 Years? The New Earned Settlement Rules for 2026-2027
The UK is raising standard ILR from 5 to 10 years under Earned Settlement. High earners: 3 years. Refugees: 20 years. Rules as of 29 Sep 2026.
Settle Path| Sep 29, 2026
VisaProAdviserVisas, migration and life abroad
The UK is raising standard ILR from 5 to 10 years under Earned Settlement. High earners: 3 years. Refugees: 20 years. Rules as of 29 Sep 2026.
From October 8, 2026, the UK settlement route for work visas extends from 5 to 10 years (15 for care workers), and fee waiver no longer counts as an extension.
The UK may extend ILR from 5 to 10 years based on a January 2022 entry cutoff. Here's what's confirmed on asylum rules, FLR, and fee waivers as of September 2026.