Information checked on 2 November 2026.
The UK’s changes to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) affect me, so I wanted to understand what they might mean for my own route to settlement. The comparison below shows selected current rules alongside the government’s announced changes. Use the filters to explore different routes. The announcement doesn’t mean every change is already in force.
Open the interactive comparison in a new tab →
As I read the government documents, I found myself trying to work out which rules apply now, what has been announced for the future, and how the answer might change depending on someone’s visa and circumstances. Other people planning a future in the UK may have the same questions.
I built Settlement Path to help make sense of them. It’s an independent, step-by-step guide to UK settlement routes and the government’s earned settlement announcement.
What has been announced?
On 2 November 2026, the Home Office published its response to the earned settlement consultation. It sets out a new standard ten-year settlement pathway, with shorter or longer periods for some people depending on their circumstances. It also discusses contribution, integration and other requirements.
The announcement doesn’t mean that every change is already in force. The government says it will publish further technical guidance before implementation. When I checked, the published Skilled Worker Immigration Rules still specified a five-year qualifying period, subject to the other requirements. Rules and guidance can change, and the position depends on your route and application date.
Using Settlement Path
Settlement Path asks questions about your route and circumstances, then gives you an illustrative explanation with links to the relevant sources. It compares selected current rules with the announced framework and points out where the published policy needs more clarification.
You can explore work routes, dependants and a limited overview of long residence, and follow the links to the official material. The guide is available in English and Korean. You can also edit your answers to see how your circumstances affect the result.
Your answers are processed in your browser’s memory. The checker doesn’t save them to a database or send them to a server. Refreshing or closing the tab clears them.
Before relying on a result
I built Settlement Path to help people understand a policy that is complicated and still developing. It isn’t a Home Office service and it isn’t legal advice. The results are illustrative, don’t cover every individual circumstance, and can’t confirm eligibility or predict an application outcome. The guide flags incomplete information and unclear policy.
Before applying or making an important decision, check the latest GOV.UK settlement guidance and the Immigration Rules for your route. If your situation is complex or uncertain, consider speaking to a regulated immigration adviser.
I hope it helps others who are trying to understand the changes too. I’ll keep following the official updates as the details develop.
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