UK softens permanent residency rules for care workers, extends wait for most migrants

The UK government has revised its plans for indefinite leave to remain after Labour MPs objected to a proposal requiring care workers already in the country to wait 15 years for permanent residence. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood introduced a carve-out allowing care workers who arrived before May 2025 to qualify after five years if they meet visa conditions and earn at least £25,000 a year.

The same five-year arrangement applies to a small group of existing public service workers who arrived before May 2025, including nursing auxiliaries and teaching assistants. The government said some rogue companies had abused the care worker route by sponsoring workers for jobs that did not exist.

“The government said that the care worker route had also been abused, with some rogue companies sponsoring workers for jobs that did not exist.”

Under the new system, most foreign workers will wait ten years for permanent residence instead of the current five years. The changes are scheduled to take effect next year and will also affect people already living and working in the United Kingdom.

High earners will benefit from shorter waiting periods. People earning more than £125,141 a year, along with highly skilled individuals on Global Talent and Innovator Founder visas, can settle after three years. Higher rate taxpayers earning over £50,271 and skilled public service workers such as doctors, nurses and teachers qualify after five years.

Some small boat migrants could be forced to wait up to 30 years for permanent residence. Anyone claiming certain benefits while in the UK or committing a visa offence faces a 20-year route to settlement.

Permanent residence, officially called indefinite leave to remain, allows foreign citizens to live in the United Kingdom without a time limit. Holders can work and study in the country, use public health services and apply for social benefits under legislation.