The Conservative’s New UK Immigration Plan – What You Need to Know | IaM (Immigration and Migration)

The Conservative’s New UK Immigration Plan – What You Need to Know

The Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has proposed Changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain, British Citizenship, and Family Sponsorship that will significantly change routes to settlement in the UK.

Political Uncertainty and UK Immigration Policy

With the Conservative Party currently out of power, and having an eye on the next General Election, as well as trying to stave off a wipeout by party rivals, Reform UK, recent immigration proposals have sparked significant debate. While these policies are being presented as major reforms, they are not yet law and may not come into effect. However, the uncertainty surrounding future of immigration policies means that those planning to settle in the UK should prepare for potential changes and take action where necessary.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)

The Conservative Party, currently out of power, is proposing tough new immigration rules, including:

ILR waiting period increasing from 5 to 10 years
Higher salary requirements for bringing family
Longer wait for British citizenship (15 years total)
Bans on overstayers and those with criminal records
Potential increase in ILR waiting time for spouses of British citizens

These are only proposals and may never become law. If you’re planning to settle in the UK, it’s crucial to stay informed and act where possible to secure your residency under current rules.

The Announcement: What’s Changing?

In a major policy announcement, the Conservative Party has outlined some of the most significant changes to the UK immigration system in recent history. Framing the UK as a ‘home, not a hotel,’ the proposed rules aim to tighten eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), extend waiting times for British citizenship, and increase barriers for family reunification.

Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:

ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) Residency Requirement Increases from 5 to 10 Years
- Migrants will have to live in the UK for 10 years before applying for ILR, instead of the current 5-year rule.
Higher Salary Requirements for Family Sponsorship
- Only those who are “net contributors” with high enough earnings will be eligible to bring family members to the UK.
Criminal Record & Benefits Restrictions
- If an applicant has a criminal record, they will be banned from settlement.
- Those who have claimed benefits or need social housing will not be eligible to apply for ILR.
British Citizenship Application Timeline Extended from 6 to 15 Years
- Currently, ILR holders can apply for British citizenship after 12 months. Under the new rules, they will need to wait an additional 5 years, meaning it could take a minimum of 15 years to become a UK citizen.
Strict Rules on Overstayers and Illegal Entrants
- Anyone who overstays their visa or enters the UK illegally will be permanently banned from ever applying for ILR or a UK passport.
Changes for Spouses of British Citizens
- Currently, spouses of British citizens can apply for ILR after 5 years (or 3 in some cases). The proposed rules may increase this timeline to 10 years, aligning it with the general ILR residency requirement. This means spouses could face a significantly longer wait before securing permanent status in the UK.

These proposals are designed to cut net migration and make the immigration system more selective, but they will also create significant new challenges for those looking to settle in the UK.

Why is this happening?

The Conservative Party was wiped out at the last General Election. They took the UK out of the EU with Brexit due to in-fighting at the party level between the left and right wings of the party. The right wing of the party has always argued that the party should move further right. As a centre-right party, there has been a gap between the far-right and the centre-right.

The Conservatives and Labour are the two biggest political parties in the UK, followed by the Liberal Democrats. So the emergence of more right-wing politics from new political parties like Reform UK have been eating the Conservatives' votes and attraction. With the surge of more nationalist politics, Reform UK is gaining on the Conservatives, with commentators even suggesting that with the support of king-makers like Elon Musk, the Conservatives face being wiped out and reduced to a party in fourth place.

It's one of the reasons that the Conservative Party have been shifting policies further to the right, and as they are looking forward to the next general election in the UK, they are accelerating their move to the right with more nationalist policies.

red double-decker bus passing Palace of Westminster, London during daytime

What This Means for You

For many individuals and families hoping to make the UK their permanent home, these changes introduce uncertainty and prolonged waiting periods. The increase from 5 to 10 years for ILR eligibility will leave many feeling stuck in a cycle of visa renewals, unable to fully settle.

If you were planning to bring family members to the UK, the new higher salary thresholds could create additional barriers. Those on lower incomes may face the heartbreaking possibility of being separated from loved ones for longer than expected.

For spouses of British citizens, the change is particularly frustrating. While many expected to apply for ILR within five years, they could now face double the wait time. The impact on family stability and long-term planning will be profound, as couples find themselves navigating more years of uncertainty before securing their future together.

For those hoping to gain British citizenship, the journey will now take up to 15 years—a significant increase from the current process. The extended timeline could delay career progression, homeownership plans, and full integration into British society.

At the same time, the ban on overstayers and illegal entrants raises concerns for individuals who may have unknowingly overstayed their visa or made a minor mistake. Under the proposed rules, these individuals could be permanently barred from settlement, making it even more critical to stay compliant with visa regulations.

How You Can Prepare for These Changes

While these are proposed policies that may never be implemented, the political uncertainty surrounding immigration means it’s wise to be prepared.

If you’re eligible for ILR under the current 5-year rule, applying before any legal changes take effect could prevent unnecessary delays.
If you’re concerned about meeting the new financial requirements for family sponsorship, now is the time to assess your income and explore alternative options.
If you’re planning to apply for British citizenship, be aware of the potential extended timeline and factor this into your long-term plans.
Staying fully compliant with visa conditions is more crucial than ever, as new rules may introduce stricter penalties for overstayers and minor visa violations.

The future of UK immigration policy remains uncertain, especially with an election looming and the Conservative Party currently out of power. These proposed changes may never come into effect, but they reflect the growing debate over immigration control in the UK.

For those hoping to settle permanently, it’s important to stay informed and be proactive. If changes do take place, they could significantly alter the timeline and process for ILR, family reunification, and citizenship applications.

What are your thoughts on tougher immigration rules in the UK? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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