Aid Immigration Service

Important update for anyone in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa.
In her speech on 5 March 2026, the Home Secretary set out major changes to the immigration system that will directly affect Skilled Workers. These are the key points she highlighted:
- Longer route to settlement: The standard qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain will rise from 5 years to 10 years for most migrants, including Skilled Workers.
- Applies to people already here: The Home Secretary confirmed that these new settlement rules will apply to those who arrived between 2022 and 2024, meaning many who expected a 5‑year route may now face a 10‑year pathway.
- Stricter ILR requirements: Settlement will require a clean criminal record, no debt to the taxpayer, a solid work and tax history, and higher English‑language standards (A‑Level equivalent).
- Only limited exceptions: A small group of “high‑skilled” or “key public service” workers may still qualify earlier, but this will not apply to most Skilled Worker visa holders.
- Shift in approach: The Home Secretary said settlement must be “earned, not automatic,” even for those working in skilled roles.
These changes could significantly affect long‑term plans for many Skilled Workers already contributing to the UK economy.

The Home Office has introduced major changes to the asylum system, and these apply to all asylum claims registered from Monday, the 2ndMarch 2026. Anyone making a new claim will now receive 30 months (2.5 years) of temporary protection instead of the previous 5‑year grant. After each 30‑month period, the Home Office will review whether the person’s home country is still unsafe. If the danger remains, protection will continue; if the country is now considered safe, the person will be expected to return home. The government says this approach is intended to reduce dangerous journeys and encourage people to use safe and legal routes.
Refugees under this new system will need to renew their status regularly unless they switch to another visa category such as work or study. Family reunion is currently closed while new rules are being developed. Unaccompanied children will continue to receive 5 years of leave for now, and the government plans to introduce new safe and legal routes in the future.
A key point for anyone affected is how long it will now take to settle permanently in the UK. Under the new “core protection” model, refugees may need to wait up to 20 years before they can apply for settlement, unless they switch to a different visa route such as a work, study, or family visa. This makes the pathway to long‑term stability significantly longer and more uncertain.
It is not yet clear how the Home Office will assess renewal applications after each 30‑month period. They may rely on country policy information, or they may require the claimant to provide updated evidence about their personal risk. At this stage, the process has not been explained, and we will need to wait for the government to publish further guidance.
Family reunion remains closed for now. However, refugees can still bring their dependants to the UK under Appendix FM, provided they meet the financial and English language requirements—requirements normally applied to British citizens sponsoring family members.
There are still options for refugees to switch from refugee leave to other visa categories, such as student visas, spouse visas, or skilled worker visas. However, switching to a skilled worker visa will be very difficult for students who claimed asylum before completing their course, as they will not meet the qualification requirements.
These changes create more uncertainty for people seeking protection, and they will affect long‑term planning for individuals and families. The system is now more complex, and the rules for renewal and settlement are still developing.

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