The most significant change to the settlement framework is the proposed increase to the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), from five years to ten years. This would apply to most immigration categories, though there are exceptions:
<ul>
 	<li>dependants of British citizens will remain eligible to apply for ILR after five years provided they ‘remain compliant’.</li>
 	<li>existing fast-track settlement categories, including Global Talent, will continue to offer ILR after three years in qualifying cases.</li>
 	<li>the European Settlement Scheme remains unaffected and the Government doesn’t appear to intend to rework the Withdrawal Agreement.</li>
 	<li>the White Paper also signals a future points-based model for “earned settlement,” allowing some migrants to qualify before ten years based on economic or social contributions, though the criteria are yet to be defined.</li>
</ul>
The Government will also raise the English language threshold for ILR from CEFR Level B1 to B2 (Independent User). This elevation in standards is consistent across most immigration categories.

Additionally, the system will now require all migrants extending their stay to demonstrate language progression—reaching A2 for visa extensions and ultimately B2 for settlement.

Employers and migrants may wish to review current immigration strategies in light of these changes, particularly where shorter routes to settlement are an important consideration.