Britain sets out longer default pathway to permanent settlement

The British government has presented a settlement model with a default ten-year waiting period and shorter routes for specified groups. The Home Office outlined the approach on November 2, following last year’s consultation.

Its announcement describes a three-year pathway for the highest earners and five years for some public-service workers and people earning above £50,271. It also sets out requirements concerning criminal records, English, public debts and National Insurance contributions.

The department says people who already hold settled status will retain it and specified existing pathways will continue. These are the government’s announced policy terms. They should not be read as an individual eligibility decision or a complete account of the applicable immigration rules.