Settlement explainer separates current ILR rules from proposed reforms
19 Oct 2026
If you are planning to settle in the UK, it helps to know what is law and what is only a proposal. Primus Solicitors updated its settlement guide on 17 October 2026 to make that split clear. The guide says: "Nothing has changed in the Immigration Rules yet."
What applies now. Under the current rules, you can apply for ILR under the existing five-year rule, or the ten-year long residence rule if you qualify. The guide says "The rules in force on the day you apply are the rules that decide your application." It also says you can apply up to 28 days before you complete the qualifying period.
What is only proposed. The guide lists ideas from the government's "A fairer pathway to settlement" consultation. These include a 10-year baseline for most routes, longer waits for some people and shorter waits for higher earners. They also include closing the 10-year long residence route. Primus says these stay proposals until a Statement of Changes is laid. It says transitional arrangements are "promised but not published", and the start date and notice period are not known. The guide says the Home Secretary said the final policy would come later in 2026 and before February 2027.
One change is confirmed. The guide says "from 26 March 2027 the English requirement for settlement rises from B1 to B2". Primus says this applies to applications made on or after that date. It describes partners and children of British citizens, and BNO visa holders, as currently intended to keep the five-year route. It stresses this is an intention, not a guarantee.
What to do. The guide suggests that if you qualify now, you apply now. If you will reach five years before 26 March 2027 and your English is at B1, it suggests applying before that date. If you are further away, keep your residence record clean, keep your permission valid and keep tax and earnings records. This is general information, not legal advice. Check the current rules on GOV.UK before you apply.
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