Migrants will need to live in the UK for a decade before becoming eligible for citizenship, under sweeping reforms to be unveiled by Sir Keir Starmer aimed at slashing reliance on overseas workers.
The prime minister is set to outline the proposals in a major speech on Monday, ahead of the publication of the Immigration White Paper, which will set out Labour’s long-term strategy to reduce net migration and encourage integration.
The headline change will see the current five-year requirement for settlement extended to 10 years – with exceptions for “high-contribution” individuals such as doctors, engineers, and leaders in AI, who could be fast-tracked.
It comes alongside stricter English language requirements across all visa categories, for the first time applying to adult dependents as well.
Speaking ahead of the announcement, Sir Keir said: “This is a clean break from the past and will ensure settlement in this country is a privilege that must be earned, not a right.”
He added: “When people come to our country, they should also commit to integration and to learning our language. Lower net migration, more skilled and backing British workers – that is what this White Paper will deliver.”
Net migration pressures
Net migration – the difference between people arriving and leaving the UK – peaked at 903,000 in the year to June 2023 before falling to 728,000 in 2024. That figure remains more than double the pre-Brexit high of 329,000 in 2015.
The Labour government is facing mounting pressure to curb both legal and illegal migration, especially amid rising support for Reform UK and concerns over the growing number of small boat crossings.
Currently, most migrants can apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years and then apply for British citizenship 12 months later. In 2024, 162,000 people were granted settlement status, while citizenship grants hit 270,000 – a 35% and 30% rise, respectively.
‘Contributions-based’ settlement system
The new model will shift the focus toward a “contributions-based” system. Migrants will generally need to stay in the UK for 10 years before applying to remain permanently, unless they have made a demonstrable “real and lasting contribution to the economy and society.”
The Home Office said sectors such as health, engineering and AI would likely be prioritised for exemptions. The proposals will go out for consultation later this year.
Sky News understands that the system will reward people who pay higher taxes or contribute significantly to community or public service roles, with fast-track options being considered.
New English requirements for dependents
Language standards will also be raised across all immigration routes. For the first time, adult dependents will need to demonstrate a basic level of English – a move the government says will boost integration and help families secure employment.
Dr Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at Oxford University, told Sky News the 10-year rule is unlikely to impact migration numbers in the short term.
“There’s no evidence that this affects their decision to migrate,” she said, though she acknowledged that the policy could increase visa fee revenue and make it harder to settle permanently.
She added that the new language rules could have a more immediate effect, especially since over half of skilled worker visas have gone to dependents in recent years, though there’s little data on how many would pass language tests.
No migration target – yet
The Home Office has not given estimates on how much the reforms will reduce migration, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper will provide more detail in Parliament this afternoon.
Ms Cooper has ruled out setting a specific target, arguing that such benchmarks “failed” under the Conservatives.
The Tory opposition remains critical. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “Labour has overseen the worst ever start to a year for illegal immigrants crossing the Channel. The idea that Starmer is tough on immigration is a joke.”
The Conservatives continue to call for a binding immigration cap and have proposed scrapping the Human Rights Act in immigration cases.
