Thousands of migrant social care workers in the United Kingdom could benefit from revised immigration rules that allow them to apply for permanent settlement after five years, instead of the 15-year period initially proposed by the government.
Under the revised scheme finalised on November 2, 2026, social and home care workers who arrived in the UK before May 2025 and earn at least £25,000 annually will be eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after completing five years, subject to the applicable requirements.
The decision marks a significant change from the British government's proposed earned settlement framework, announced in November 2025. The earlier proposal had suggested extending the settlement period for certain migrant workers to 15 years.
Other professional groups will also have shorter settlement routes. Workers earning more than £50,271 annually, along with doctors, nurses and teachers, will be able to qualify for settlement after five years. Those earning more than £125,140 annually could become eligible after three years.
The revised rules are expected to affect thousands of Indian nationals who moved to the UK through the Health and Care Worker visa scheme. The programme began in October 2020 and remained open until July 2025.
The changes offer greater clarity for eligible migrant workers who were concerned about the possibility of a much longer wait for permanent residency.
However, eligibility will depend on meeting the scheme's conditions, including the relevant arrival date and income threshold. Indefinite leave to remain allows eligible individuals to live and work in the UK without time restrictions.
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