Key Takeaways
• Thousands signed petition urging UK government to keep 5-year ILR route for Skilled Worker visa holders as of May 23, 2025.
• UK government proposes extending ILR qualifying period from 5 to 10 years with earned settlement points system.
• Current Skilled Worker visa holders fear increased costs, family separation, and employment uncertainty due to proposed ILR changes.
A petition to protect the 5-Year ILR route for Skilled Worker visa holders is gaining rapid support on the UK Parliament website, reflecting deep concern among migrants, families, and businesses. As of May 23, 2025, thousands have signed, urging the government to reconsider its plan to double the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from 5 to 10 years. This proposal, outlined in the government’s recent immigration white paper, has sparked widespread anxiety and debate about the future of settlement in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.
What Is Happening and Why Now?
On May 12, 2025, the UK government published a white paper proposing major changes to the immigration system. The most controversial suggestion is to extend the ILR qualifying period from 5 years to 10 years for most visa categories, including the Skilled Worker visa. ILR, or Indefinite Leave to Remain, is the status that allows migrants to live and work in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 without time limits. For many, it is the last step before applying for British citizenship.
The government says these changes are part of a broader plan to manage migration and ensure that settlement is “earned” over a longer period. However, the white paper also states that a consultation will take place later in 2025, meaning the changes are not immediate. Some changes may come “in the coming weeks,” but the ILR extension will be discussed further before any final decision.
How Are People Responding?
The proposal has triggered a strong reaction. The official Parliament petition, titled “Keep the 5-Year ILR pathway for existing Skilled Worker visa holders,” quickly gathered thousands of signatures. In just one hour on May 23, 2025, 3,497 people signed. On other platforms like Change.org, more than 44,000 people have joined 11 different petitions against the ILR changes. This shows that the issue affects a wide range of people and is causing real worry.
Members of Parliament (MPs) have started asking questions about the plan. On May 21, 2025, the government answered written questions in Parliament but only repeated that details would be decided during the upcoming consultation. This lack of clear answers has left many people feeling uncertain about their future.
What Are the Current ILR Rules?
Right now, most migrants can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. This includes:
- Skilled Worker visa holders (previously called Tier 2 General)
- Spouses or civil partners of British citizens
- UK Ancestry visa holders
- Dependants on Points-Based System (PBS) visas
- EEA Family Permit holders
Some special visa routes have even shorter qualifying periods:
- Innovator route: 3 years
- Global Talent visa: 3 years
- Tier 1 (Investor): 2, 3, or 5 years, depending on investment amount
These rules have made the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 an attractive place for skilled workers, families, and investors from around the world.
What Is the Government Proposing?
The white paper introduces an “earned settlement” system. Under this plan, the default pathway to ILR would be 10 years instead of 5. However, there may be ways to shorten this period by earning “points” for contributions to the UK economy and society. The government has not yet explained:
- How migrants can earn these points
- How much the qualifying period can be reduced
- Whether people already in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on the 5-Year ILR route will be allowed to finish under the old rules
Some groups will be exempt from the new 10-year rule:
- Spouses and civil partners of British citizens (they keep the 5-year route)
- Victims of domestic abuse
- People with post-Brexit residence rights under the EU Settlement Scheme
Will the Changes Affect People Already in the UK?
One of the biggest worries is whether the new rules will apply to people who are already living in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on a 5-year route to ILR. The technical annex to the white paper suggests that the changes will apply to current visa holders, saying that “a number of those currently in the UK are likely to leave due it taking longer to gain settled status.”
News outlets like the BBC and Financial Times have reported, based on government sources, that the new rules are likely to be applied to existing migrants, though there may be some exceptions for those close to qualifying for ILR. However, no official guidance has been published yet, leaving many people in a state of uncertainty.
What Does This Mean for Skilled Worker Visa Holders?
For Skilled Worker visa holders, the proposed changes could have serious effects:
Financial Impact
- More visa renewals: Migrants would need to renew their visas more often, paying application fees each time.
- Higher costs: The Immigration Health Surcharge (a fee paid for access to the National Health Service) would need to be paid for a longer period.
- Legal and administrative costs: Many people use lawyers or advisers to help with their applications, adding to the expense.
Family Separation
Many families plan their lives around the 5-year ILR route. For example, some avoid traveling abroad to make sure they meet the continuous residence requirement. Extending the qualifying period could mean longer periods apart from loved ones, especially for those with family overseas.
Employment Uncertainty
Employers who sponsor Skilled Worker visa holders must meet strict rules. Extending the sponsorship period to 10 years means more paperwork and costs for businesses. This could make it harder for companies to keep international staff and may affect hiring decisions.
How Would Businesses Be Affected?
UK businesses rely on international talent to fill key roles. The proposed changes could create several problems:
- Increased costs: Sponsoring a worker for 10 years instead of 5 means double the fees and administrative work.
- Workforce planning: Companies may find it harder to plan for the future if staff are unsure about their ability to settle.
- Risk of losing staff: Some employees may leave the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 if the path to settlement becomes too long or uncertain.
- Rethinking hiring: Businesses may need to change their recruitment strategies if the 5-Year ILR route is removed.
What Is the Legislative Process?
Changes to the ILR qualifying period would be made through updates to the Immigration Rules. These changes take effect automatically unless either the House of Commons or the House of Lords votes against them within 40 days. However, the government is not required to schedule a vote, even if MPs object. This means that, in practice, changes can be made quickly and with little debate.
For example, in 2024, the government made major changes to visa rules without a formal vote, even though there were several debates in Parliament.
What Are People Doing to Oppose the Changes?
Petition Arguments
The main points made by petitioners are:
- Keep the 5-Year ILR route for existing Skilled Worker visa holders
- Give clear answers to reduce anxiety and uncertainty
- Recognize the contributions of migrants who have already built lives in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧
- Avoid disruption to families and businesses
Community Action
People affected by the changes are being encouraged to:
- Contact their local MP using the official Parliament tool
- Arrange group meetings with MPs to explain their concerns
- Sign the official Parliament petition and other petitions on platforms like Change.org
What Do Immigration Experts Say?
Legal experts warn that the lack of clear rules about who will be affected creates a high level of uncertainty. This is stressful for migrants and their families, and it also makes it hard for employers to plan. Experts also point out that making the path to settlement longer could make the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 less attractive to skilled workers, especially in sectors where there are already shortages.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the proposed changes could lead to a loss of international talent and make it harder for the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 to compete with other countries for skilled workers.
What Happens Next?
The government has promised a consultation “later this year” before making any final decisions about the ILR qualifying period. This gives people a chance to share their views and possibly influence the outcome. For now, the best advice for those on the 5-Year ILR route is to:
- Apply for ILR as soon as you qualify
- Complete the required tests (Life in the UK and English language) as soon as possible
- Stay informed about the consultation and any updates
The official Parliament petition needs 10,000 signatures to get a government response and 100,000 signatures to be considered for a debate in Parliament. As the number of signatures grows, the pressure on the government to listen to affected communities increases.
What Should You Do If You’re Affected?
If you are currently on a Skilled Worker visa or another route that leads to ILR after 5 years, consider these steps:
- Check your eligibility: Review the requirements for ILR on the UK government website.
- Gather your documents: Make sure you have proof of continuous residence, employment, and any other required paperwork.
- Book your tests: The Life in the UK Test and English language test are required for most ILR applications. Book early to avoid delays.
- Apply as soon as you qualify: Don’t wait if you are close to reaching 5 years of residence.
- Contact your MP: Share your story and explain how the changes would affect you and your family.
- Sign the petition: Add your voice to the growing movement calling for the 5-Year ILR route to be preserved.
What Forms Are Involved?
To apply for ILR as a Skilled Worker, you need to complete Form SET(O), which is the official application for settlement in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 for work-related visa holders. Make sure to use the latest version of the form and follow all instructions carefully.
What Are the Broader Implications?
The debate over the 5-Year ILR route is about more than just paperwork. It affects real people—families who want to settle, children who call the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 home, and businesses that rely on international talent. The outcome will shape the country’s ability to attract skilled workers and remain competitive on the world stage.
If the government moves forward with the 10-year qualifying period, it could:
- Discourage skilled workers from choosing the United Kingdom 🇬🇧
- Increase costs and stress for migrants and their families
- Make it harder for businesses to fill important roles
- Lead to more family separation and uncertainty
On the other hand, keeping the 5-Year ILR route would help maintain the United Kingdom’s 🇬🇧 reputation as a welcoming place for skilled migrants and their families.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
The future of the 5-Year ILR route is uncertain, but the strong response from migrants, families, and businesses shows how important this issue is. The coming months will be critical as the government holds its consultation and considers the views of those affected.
If you are concerned about the proposed changes, take action now:
- Stay informed by following updates from trusted sources
- Prepare your ILR application if you are eligible
- Make your voice heard through petitions and by contacting your MP
For more information about ILR and the Skilled Worker visa, visit the official UK government immigration page.
By acting early and staying engaged, you can help shape the outcome and protect your path to settlement in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.
Learn Today
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) → Status allowing migrants to live and work in the UK without time limits, often a citizenship step.
Skilled Worker visa → UK visa category for skilled migrants who work for approved employers under sponsorship rules.
Immigration Health Surcharge → Fee paid by visa applicants to access the UK’s National Health Service during their stay.
Earned settlement → Proposed system awarding points to migrants for contributions to shorten the ILR qualifying period.
Points-Based System (PBS) → UK immigration framework assigning points based on skills, salary, and job offers for visa eligibility.
This Article in a Nutshell
A UK petition opposes extending the Skilled Worker ILR route from five to ten years, highlighting migrant fears over rising costs, family impact, and employment risks. Thousands demand government clarity and support, emphasizing the route’s importance for settlement, citizenship, and the UK’s global talent competitiveness.
— By VisaVerge.com
