The Government has opened an Immigration consultation on its “earned settlement” model, introducing a baseline qualifying period for settlement of 10 years and factors which could reduce or extend that period, like character considerations, integration efforts, economic contributions, and residence.
Employers will need to review their sponsorship planning and policies. Individuals face uncertainty as their routes to settlement potentially lengthen. And charities are expressing concerns at the proposals to use volunteering to reduce settlement timelines. Learn more about the proposed changes here, and fill in Bate Wells Community Survey here. Deadline: 19 January 2026.