Briefing Note for Skilled Worker Visa Holders
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – Parliamentary Debate, 8 September 2025
1. What Happened in Parliament?
MPs debated petitions about the five-year route to settlement (ILR) for Skilled Worker visa holders. The government is considering extending this to ten years.
2. What MPs Said About Skilled Workers
Unfair to Change Rules Midway: Migrants entered the UK expecting a 5-year route. Extending this after people have already invested time and money would break trust.
Extra Costs: A 10-year route means double the visa fees and health surcharges. Families already stretched would struggle to afford this.
Risk of Exploitation: The longer workers remain dependent on employer sponsorship, the more vulnerable they are to poor working conditions or abuse, especially in health and social care.
Contribution to the UK: Migrants are already supporting the NHS, care homes, and essential sectors. MPs said it would be wrong to penalise those who are filling vital roles.
Need for Fairness and Certainty: Clear communication is essential so people can plan their lives, housing, children’s education, and long-term settlement.
3. What MPs Called For
Keep the five-year ILR route for those already in the UK.
Do not apply changes retrospectively.
Carry out a full economic and social impact assessment before changing the rules.
Provide clarity and consultation for both workers and employers.
4. What This Means for You
If you are already on the Skilled Worker route, Parliament has strongly argued that you should not be forced onto a 10-year pathway.
The debate shows cross-party concern about fairness and the risks of exploitation.
For now, the rules have not changed, the Skilled Worker ILR route remains five years.
We recommend:
Keep all records of your employment and visa history.
Start planning for ILR well in advance of your 5-year mark.
Stay updated, as further announcements are expected.
5. Where to Get Help
If you are unsure how these changes might affect you, or if you are approaching your ILR stage, seek immigration advice as early as possible.
Please use the following link to book a consultation with us CLICK HERE
At Tulia, we believe that everyone deserves to have a safe and welcoming place to call home. We are committed to helping migrants settle well in the UK and to achieve their full potential. Don’t forget to share this article!
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