The British government intends to extend the waiting period for permanent residency to 10-20 years, justifying the measures by the increased migratory pressure.

The United Kingdom is preparing significant reforms in the immigration system, extending the period required for obtaining permanent residency. The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, announced that the qualification period for indefinite leave to remain will increase from five to 10 years, affecting approximately 2.6 million migrants who arrived since 2021. The proposals also include additional criteria, such as a 15-year wait for those who have claimed benefits for less than 12 months and 20 years for those who have relied on benefits for more than 12 months. These measures are part of a broader package aimed at reducing pressure on the immigration system, considering that net migration has significantly increased in recent years. The government intends to implement these changes in the spring of 2026, following scheduled consultations.