UK Immigration and Settlement Changes in 2027: What We Know

The UK is consulting on a move to an "earned settlement" model with a 10-year baseline qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). As of September 2026 the wider earned settlement changes have not been added to the Immigration Rules, so existing qualifying periods still apply. One change is confirmed: the English language requirement for settlement rises from B1 to B2 from 26 March 2027.

This guide sets out what is confirmed, what has been proposed and what remains uncertain as 2027 approaches. It is written for people already in the UK on a route to settlement and for those considering a move. For the wider picture of UK routes see our guide to moving to the UK.

Immigration rules change often and individual circumstances matter. Always check the current Immigration Rules on gov.uk and take advice before making decisions.

Confirmed, proposed or uncertain: at a glance

What is confirmed

English language rises from B1 to B2 from 26 March 2027

The English language requirement for settlement rises from B1 to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference from 26 March 2027. B2 is an upper-intermediate level. Applicants planning to apply for ILR on or after that date should check whether they need to take a new test at the higher level and allow time to prepare.

Anyone who expects to be eligible for settlement close to that date may want to take advice on timing. The exact transitional arrangements should be confirmed in the Immigration Rules and Home Office guidance.

Existing qualifying periods still apply

As of September 2026 the wider earned settlement changes have not been added to the Immigration Rules. People on existing routes continue to qualify under the current qualifying periods. On many main routes that period is currently five years. Our moving to the UK guide summarises current routes.

The Tier 1 Investor visa closed in 2022

The Tier 1 Investor visa closed in 2022. There is no longer a direct investment-for-residence route to the UK. Investors and entrepreneurs now look at business and talent routes such as the Innovator Founder visa and the Global Talent visa.

The non-dom regime changed from April 2025

The UK changed its taxation of non-domiciled residents from April 2025. The remittance basis was replaced with a residence-based system. This affects wealthy individuals considering a move to or from the UK. Our guide to UK non-dom tax and exit planning explains the changes and their practical effect.

Planning a move to or from the UK? Get matched with a specialist from one of our partner advisory firms.

What has been proposed

A Fairer Pathway to Settlement

In November 2025 the Home Office published a consultation called "A Fairer Pathway to Settlement". It proposed an earned settlement model in which the standard qualifying period for ILR would be 10 years. Some people would be able to qualify sooner, for example some high earners and those on certain routes. Others would wait longer than the baseline.

The consultation closed on 12 February 2026. A consultation is a proposal. It does not change the law by itself. The proposals only take effect if and when the government adds them to the Immigration Rules.

How the proposed model differs from today

The details of who would qualify sooner or later were part of the consultation. Until the government publishes changes to the rules those details should be treated as proposals, not as confirmed policy.

Who might be affected

If the proposals are adopted, the people most affected would be those on routes that currently lead to settlement after five years. Whether changes would apply to people already on a route or only to new applicants has not been confirmed in the rules. This is one of the most important questions for anyone planning around settlement and it is best checked with an adviser once rules are published.

Main routes and how they relate to the changes

Settlement and citizenship

ILR is usually the step before British citizenship. A longer path to settlement would therefore also lengthen the path to citizenship for many people. Our guide to UK dual citizenship rules explains when the UK allows dual nationality and what to check with your other country of citizenship.

Anyone who expects to become eligible for ILR in the next year or two may want to review their timeline now. Keeping records of absences, income and immigration history in good order will help whichever rules apply at the time.

Who these changes matter most to

People already on a route to settlement

For people already living in the UK on a route that leads to ILR, the confirmed change that matters most is the B2 English requirement from 26 March 2027. Anyone likely to apply close to that date should consider the timing of their English test and application. The proposed earned settlement model matters too but its effect on existing route holders has not been set out in the Immigration Rules.

It is sensible to keep an accurate record of the date your qualifying period began, any time spent outside the UK and your immigration history. These records support an application under any version of the rules.

For the wider context, read our full innovator founder visa in 2026.

People considering a move to the UK

For people still weighing a move, the proposals add uncertainty about how long settlement will take. The consultation proposed a 10-year baseline, with shorter periods for some high earners and routes. Until rules are published it is not possible to say which category a particular applicant would fall into. Planning should allow for both the current position and the proposed model.

There is no investment visa to fall back on since the Tier 1 Investor visa closed in 2022. The main options for business people are the Innovator Founder visa and, for recognised leaders in their field, the Global Talent visa.

Internationally mobile families

Immigration status and tax residence are separate questions. The change to the non-dom regime from April 2025 affects families with income and assets outside the UK whatever their immigration route. Some families are reviewing where they live as a result. Our guide comparing UK non-dom rules with Italy and Greece sets out how the regimes differ.

Alternatives some families are considering

Some people planning around longer settlement timelines look at residence options elsewhere. Europe still offers several residence routes. Our European golden visas hub compares them and our moving abroad hub covers practical relocation guides. For costs across 14 programmes see the Citizenship and Golden Visa Cost Index or run your own figures in the cost calculator.

Choosing a second residence is a personal decision. It depends on family, work, tax and long-term plans rather than on any single rule change.

What to watch in 2027

The points below are possibilities to monitor, not predictions.

1. Changes to the Immigration Rules. The government could publish rule changes that implement some or all of the earned settlement proposals. Watch for the start date and any transition arrangements.
2. Treatment of people already on a route. If changes are made, the key question is whether they apply only to new applicants.
3. The B2 English requirement in practice. From 26 March 2027 applicants will need to meet B2. Watch for guidance on approved tests and exemptions.
4. Further business and talent route updates. Routes such as Innovator Founder and Global Talent are reviewed from time to time.
5. Tax interaction. The post-April 2025 residence-based tax system will continue to shape decisions for internationally mobile families.

Practical steps if you are on a route to settlement

• Check your current qualifying date. Work out when you expect to become eligible under today's rules.
• Plan your English test. If you will apply on or after 26 March 2027, prepare for B2.
• Keep records. Absences, employment and income records support any application.
• Watch gov.uk. Statements of changes to the Immigration Rules are published on gov.uk.
• Take advice. An immigration adviser can explain how any published change affects you.

Want advice on UK routes or alternatives abroad? Get matched with a specialist who can review your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Has the UK changed ILR to 10 years?

Not as of September 2026. The Home Office consultation proposed a 10-year baseline but the wider earned settlement changes have not been added to the Immigration Rules. Existing qualifying periods still apply.

What is earned settlement?

Earned settlement is the model proposed in the November 2025 consultation "A Fairer Pathway to Settlement". It would set a 10-year baseline for ILR, with shorter periods for some high earners and routes and longer periods for others.

When did the settlement consultation close?

The consultation closed on 12 February 2026.

When does the B2 English requirement start?

The English language requirement for settlement rises from B1 to B2 from 26 March 2027.

Will the changes apply to people already in the UK?

This has not been confirmed in the Immigration Rules. Check any statement of changes on gov.uk and take advice once rules are published.

Can I still get a UK investor visa?

No. The Tier 1 Investor visa closed in 2022. Business routes such as the Innovator Founder visa and talent routes such as the Global Talent visa are the main alternatives.

What changed for non-doms?

The UK changed its non-dom regime from April 2025, replacing the remittance basis with a residence-based system. See our guide to UK non-dom tax and exit planning.

Does the UK allow dual citizenship?

Yes, the UK generally allows dual citizenship. Your other country may not, so check both sides. Our UK dual citizenship rules guide explains more.

How long does settlement take today?

It depends on the route. On many main routes the qualifying period is currently five years. Check the rules for your route on gov.uk.

Sources

• Home Office, "A Fairer Pathway to Settlement" consultation, November 2025 (gov.uk)
• Immigration Rules and statements of changes (gov.uk)
• Home Office guidance on the English language requirement (gov.uk)
• Home Office announcement on the closure of the Tier 1 Investor visa, 2022 (gov.uk)
• HM Revenue and Customs guidance on the taxation of non-UK domiciled individuals (gov.uk)