London July 13, 2026 — The UK Home Office is reportedly considering a significant compromise over its proposed immigration reforms, potentially allowing some migrants who arrived in Britain from 2021 onwards to qualify for indefinite leave to remain after five years rather than waiting ten years.
According to The Times, the possible transitional arrangement could affect up to 1.6 million people. Under the reported proposal, eligible migrants may retain the five-year route to permanent residence but could be required to wait an additional three or four years before gaining access to certain state benefits. No final decision has yet been announced.
The government previously proposed increasing the standard qualifying period for settlement from five years to ten years as part of its “earned settlement” model. Under that system, migrants could potentially shorten or lengthen their route depending on factors such as employment, earnings, English-language ability, public service and compliance with immigration rules.
The original government position suggested that people already living in the UK but not yet granted settlement could also be moved onto the new contribution-based system. However, ministers said detailed transitional arrangements would be decided following consultation.
The possible concession follows pressure from around 80 Labour MPs, who have argued that retrospectively changing the settlement conditions for migrants already in Britain would be unfair. They maintain that people who entered legally and planned their lives around an existing five-year route should not suddenly be required to wait twice as long.
Supporters of the government’s reforms argue that settlement should be earned and that the system must consider the financial impact of a sharp rise in permanent residence grants. Home Office forecasts indicate that approximately 1.6 million people could become eligible for settlement between 2026 and 2030 under existing arrangements.
The reported compromise should not yet be treated as an approved immigration rule. Migrants are advised to wait for a formal Home Office announcement and the publication of final transitional provisions before making legal, employment or financial decisions based on the possible five-year concession.