Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Rachel Blake (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 February 2026. It was answered by Mike Tapp (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 February 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Immigration

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department's consultation entitled A Fairer Pathway to Settlement, published on 28 November 2025, whether accrued lawful residence under Appendix Long Residence will be recognised for those already close to settlement; and what transitional arrangements will apply to long-term residents already on the Long Residence Route who are close to qualifying for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Answer

The earned settlement model, proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, announced changes to the mandatory requirements and qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain. A public consultation ran for 12 weeks and closed on 12 February 2026. We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development of the final earned settlement model.

The consultation sought views on whether there should be transitional arrangements for those already on a pathway to settlement. Transitional arrangements refer to temporary measures or rules put in place to manage the shift from one system, or policy framework, to another. Details of the earned settlement model, including any transitional arrangements for those already in the UK, will now be finalised, following the consultation.

The final model will also be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
112335
Session
2024-26
Related items
Subjects
Immigration
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk