Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of applying the (a) proposed salary threshold and (b) RQF Level 6 requirements for Skilled Worker visas retrospectively to individuals already in the UK under existing visa conditions when they apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

A Fairer Pathway to Settlement, sets out the Government’s proposed model for earned settlement, and accompanies the current public consultation on settlement reform, which is open until 12 February 2026.

This proposes a qualification period for settlement of 15 years for Skilled Workers in professions below RQF Level 6.

It is also proposed that paying income tax on per annum earnings above £50,217 or £125,140 might be rewarded with reductions to that qualification period of five and seven years, respectively.

Further detail on earned settlement will be finalised following the conclusion of the public consultation. This will include detail on any transitional arrangements for people already in the UK.