The United Kingdom government has announced major changes to its immigration system, doubling the standard waiting period for migrants seeking permanent residency from five to 10 years.
The new policy, known as the Earned Settlement Model, was presented before Parliament on Monday, November 2, 2026, introducing stricter requirements for foreigners hoping to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
The changes are expected to affect thousands of Kenyans living and working in Britain, particularly those who had planned to secure permanent residency after completing five years on eligible work visas.
Under the revised framework, migrants will generally be required to demonstrate a longer period of lawful residence, alongside evidence of financial contribution, good conduct and compliance with British immigration regulations.
Which Migrants Will Still Qualify After Five Years?
Despite the extension, the British government has maintained shorter settlement routes for certain categories of workers.
These include eligible healthcare professionals, teachers and other qualifying public service employees.
Care workers who meet the relevant visa conditions and earn at least £25,000 annually will also retain access to the five-year settlement pathway.
Additionally, migrants earning more than £50,000 annually will qualify for a shorter five-year route, while exceptional high earners making more than £125,000 could become eligible after just three years.
Refugees arriving through approved safe and legal routes will also retain a five-year settlement pathway.
Migrants Could Wait Up to 30 Years
The new immigration framework introduces significantly longer waiting periods for certain categories of migrants.
Foreigners who have claimed government benefits could face a 20-year qualifying period, while those who entered Britain illegally, including through small boats crossing the English Channel, could wait up to 30 years before qualifying for permanent residency.
The government says the changes are intended to discourage irregular migration while ensuring that permanent residency is granted based on an individual’s contribution to British society.
New Requirements for Permanent Residency
Apart from the longer waiting period, migrants seeking permanent residency will face additional conditions.
Applicants will be required to demonstrate a clean criminal record, a high standard of English equivalent to A-level proficiency, sustained National Insurance contributions and no outstanding debts owed to the British government.
The new framework places greater emphasis on employment history, financial responsibility and compliance with immigration laws.
What the Changes Mean for Kenyans Living in the UK
The announcement has raised concerns among Kenyans who moved to Britain for employment, education and other opportunities, particularly those who expected to qualify for permanent residency after five years.
Those working in eligible healthcare, education and care positions may still benefit from the shorter settlement pathway, depending on their individual circumstances.
However, Kenyans on standard work and other affected immigration routes could be required to spend up to 10 years in Britain before qualifying for permanent residency.
The changes also raise questions about migrants who are already living in the UK and have been working towards completing the previous five-year requirement.
The government is expected to provide further guidance on implementation and transitional arrangements, including how existing visa holders will be affected.
Migrants who already hold settled status will not lose it under the announced reforms.
The new policy represents a major shift in Britain’s immigration system, with permanent residency increasingly linked to financial contribution, employment, personal conduct and the length of time spent legally in the country.
