Should the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain be extended from five to ten years?

The government’s May 2025 white paper proposes doubling the standard qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years for most work and long-term routes, with changes expected from April 2026. The reforms introduce new integration and contribution tests and move away from automatic time-based eligibility. The stated aims are to reduce net migration and ensure settlement is earned through demonstrable economic and social contribution.