Summary of Recent UK Migration Policy Developments

Based on reporting from the Financial Times (Robert Wright & Delphine Strauss, Nov 20–21, 2025)

The UK government has announced major proposed changes to its legal migration and settlement system. According to reporting by the Financial Times, the Home Office plans to introduce a contribution-based model that significantly alters how quickly different categories of migrants can qualify for permanent settlement.

Under the proposal, individuals earning above £125,140 annually — along with certain entrepreneurs and holders of global talent or innovator visas — may become eligible for settlement after three years. Those earning above £50,270 would retain a five-year path.

For most other migrants, however, the standard route would become considerably longer. Skilled workers in graduate-level roles would generally need 10 years, while those in non-graduate roles, including many care workers, would face a 15-year qualifying period. The proposed model also introduces an annual income requirement of at least £12,570 for all applicants, raising concerns about stay-at-home spouses and partners who may not meet this threshold.

The Home Office has stated that the new rules would apply to anyone who has not yet been granted settled status at the time the policy takes effect. Existing settled migrants, EU/EEA citizens protected under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, and individuals on certain family or Hong Kong BN(O) routes would not be affected.

These reforms mark one of the most significant potential restructurings of the UK settlement system in decades, aiming to prioritise higher-earning migrants and those deemed to contribute strongly to the UK economy.

Source: Financial Times, “High earners to be eligible for UK settlement within 3 years of arrival,” Nov 20–21, 2025.