Protect the 5-Year ILR Pathway for Existing Skilled Worker Visa Holders
We ask the UK Government not to apply the proposed extension of the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) qualifying period from 5 years to 10 years to migrants already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa. Any such change should apply only to new applicants from the date the policy comes into effect.
Signatures
18
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 18/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 18/100,000
- 09 JAN 2026Petition rejectedduplicate
You may wish to sign the following petitions: Do not apply ILR qualifying period changes retrospectively to ILR applicants https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/751517 Keep 5-year ILR for Skilled Workers & dependents who come before April 2026 https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/751505 Keep the 5-year pathway for all legal immigrants to apply for ILR https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/751293
- 22 NOV 2025Petition created
Background
Many Skilled Worker visa holders made the decision to move to the UK based on the current 5-year ILR pathway. They have contributed significantly to the UK economy, paid taxes, supported essential public services, and built lives here with families. Changing the ILR requirements retrospectively would disrupt thousands of families, including children who are settled in UK schools and communities.
We urge the Government to:
Retain the 5year ILR pathway for all existing Skilled Worker visa holders.