UK’s New Immigration Rules: Foreign Workers Now Face 10–30 Year Wait for Settled Status (Latest 20 Nov 2025)

Most Foreign Workers in the UK to Face Longer Wait for Settled Status

The UK government announced a major overhaul of its immigration system on 20 November 2025, introducing significant changes that will directly impact most foreign workers. Under the new policy, the majority of overseas employees will now be required to wait ten years instead of five before becoming eligible for settled status—a move described as the most significant immigration reform in fifty years.

According to the plan, specific groups such as doctors, nurses, high-income professionals, and business experts will receive exemptions, allowing them to obtain permanent residency sooner. This exception is especially important for NHS staff, particularly international nurses, who form a substantial portion of the healthcare workforce and were at risk of being severely affected by the new rules.

The reforms introduce tiered waiting periods:

Individuals relying on state benefits will have to wait 20 years for settlement.

Those residing in the UK illegally or after overstaying their visa will face a waiting period of up to 30 years, the longest requirement in Europe.

The government argues that these reforms aim to make the immigration process more transparent, fair, and economically sustainable. Officials stated that the UK must prioritize people who “contribute meaningfully to the economy” while discouraging long-term reliance on social welfare.

However, the proposal has been met with strong criticism. Several unions and migrant-rights groups warn that the reforms could have damaging consequences. Nursing organizations, in particular, caution that if enforced, the rules could force up to 50,000 international nurses to leave the country, worsening the NHS staffing crisis.

Additionally, the proposed law states that individuals who obtain settled status will not receive automatic access to citizenship rights or state benefits. To qualify for full civic and economic benefits, they must first apply for British citizenship or meet new “contribution-based settlement” requirements.

Immigration experts argue that the strict new policy could make the UK appear less welcoming, pushing skilled foreign workers to seek opportunities elsewhere. Many migrants, already dealing with visa uncertainty, may opt to return to their home countries rather than face extended delays.

These reforms are currently under consultation and have not yet been legally finalized. However, if approved, this policy shift will mark a historic turning point in UK immigration law and significantly impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of foreign workers who consider Britain their future home.