The UK government is proposing major immigration changes that could allow some migrants — including Nigerians living and working in the UK — to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in just three years instead of five or ten.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says this forms part of the “biggest overhaul of legal migration in 50 years,” with a system that rewards contribution, integration, and economic impact.
✅ Who Will Qualify for the 3-Year ILR Route?
To be eligible, migrants must meet at least one of the following:
✅ Earn £125,000+ UK taxable income per year
— for three consecutive years
✅ Hold an eligible Global Talent or Innovator Founder visa
— subject to endorsement checks
And must also meet these standard ILR requirements:
- Clean criminal record
- Paid National Insurance for 3+ years
- No government or NHS debt
- Strong English — A-level standard or above
- Not dependent on benefits
This applies to migrants who are already in the UK but do not yet have ILR. Further transitional guidance will follow after consultation.
⏳ What About Earners Below £125,000?
Those earning between £50,000–£100,000 may still get a shorter route to settlement, but not as short as three years.
Exact income bands and timelines will be announced after public consultation.
🩺 Healthcare & Lower-Paid Workers
Under wider reforms, many low-income visa holders — including care workers — may move to a 15-year ILR pathway, especially those who arrived during the pandemic on Health & Care visas.
NHS doctors and nurses may continue on a 5-year route.
💼 Why Is the Government Doing This?
The fast-track policy aims to:
- Retain senior professionals and high-value talent
- Encourage innovators, founders & global experts to stay in the UK
- Strengthen the economy and tax base
- Slow settlement for lower-paid workers
The UK previously saw high-earning professionals and investors relocating to other countries — something this policy hopes to reverse.
💬 Legal Experts React
Immigration specialists say the change will benefit:
- Tech founders
- Finance professionals
- Lawyers
- Senior executives
However, they note that many entrepreneurs and startup founders don’t pay themselves high salaries early on, meaning the new system may not fully support innovation unless paired with investment-focused reforms.
🗓️ When Will This Start?
There is no confirmed launch date yet.
The proposal is now in consultation, which typically lasts 6–12 weeks.
The Home Office will then publish:
- Final criteria
- Evidence requirements
- Transition rules
- Implementation timeline
🇳🇬 What Nigerians in the UK Should Know
✅ High-earning professionals may reach settlement faster
✅ Innovator Founder & Global Talent visa holders may benefit
❌ Care workers and lower-paid workers could face longer waits
✅ People with ILR already are not affected
✅ Now is the time to plan career, salary progression & visa strategy
✍🏾 Final Takeaway
The UK is moving toward a system where settlement must be earned, not automatic — and higher earnings, innovation, and economic contribution will play a major role.
For Nigerians building careers, launching businesses, or working toward citizenship, understanding these changes early is crucial.
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