PR Timeline Doubled: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces sweeping immigration reforms, doubling PR wait from 5 to 10 years
Indian professionals and students aspiring for permanent residency in the United Kingdom may now have to wait longer, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday unveiled the Immigration White Paper, which extends the settlement period from five to ten years, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
New rules aimed at lowering net migration may impact thousands of Indian migrants
Starmer warned that without stricter immigration controls, the UK risks becoming an “island of strangers.” Emphasising integration and contribution, he said permanent settlement would become “a privilege that is earned, not a right,” and would require migrants to commit to the UK’s values, language, and skills standards.
In addition to the extended settlement period, the new measures include higher skill thresholds, a requirement for degree-level qualifications, and tighter English language standards for all migrant categories—including dependents. These reforms are part of a broader strategy to control immigration across work, family, and student routes, Starmer said.
New immigration blueprint to test Indian professionals and students seeking UK settlement
“The time it takes to acquire settled status extended from five years to 10. Enforcement will be tougher than ever because fair rules must be followed,” Starmer asserted. He further explained that the new approach directly links visa access to investment in domestic talent, ensuring businesses also back British workers.
He acknowledged the valuable role migrants have historically played in rebuilding the UK, but reiterated the need for future entrants to actively pursue integration. “When people come to our country, they should also commit to learning our language… I think that’s fair,” he added.
The overhaul is expected to have a disproportionate impact on Indian migrants, who represent one of the largest communities of international students and skilled professionals in the UK. For many, the pathway to permanent residency has now become more competitive and time-consuming.
