Home Office launches Earned Settlement Consultation
Summary
The government is consulting on how the current settlement system should be reformed and how those reforms should be implemented.
This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 12 February 2026
Consultation description
Settlement refers to a person’s right to live in the UK permanently without any immigration restrictions. It is also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
The 2025 UK Immigration White Paper, Restoring Control over the Immigration System, introduced significant reforms to how migrants can settle in the UK.
Settlement will no longer be granted automatically after a fixed period. Instead, migrants will need to earn it by demonstrating sustained good conduct, contribution and integration.
WMCA's advice to members:
As many of you have sponsored workers, the governments proposals will have ramifications for your international workforce. We therefore encourage any of you who have sponsored workers to reply to this consultation
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