Reduce the ILR qualifying period from 5 years to 3 years for legal immigrants
We urge the Government to reduce the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from 5 years to 3 years for legally residing immigrants who are working, paying taxes, and have no criminal record.
Signatures
47,087
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 10,000/10,000 · reached
Debate threshold (100,000) · 47,087/100,000
- 23 JUL 2025Petition closedFinal total: 47,087 signatures
- 07 MAR 2025Government respondedHome OfficeGovernment reply
People can settle in the UK after a period of temporary permission. These periods may vary in specific instances; we keep policies under review but see no case to reduce the current five-year period.
Read full response - 15 FEB 202510,000 signatures reachedEligible for a government response
- 23 JAN 2025Petition opened for signatures
Background
We believe that reducing the qualifying period for ILR from 5 years to 3 years for law-abiding, tax-paying immigrants would benefit both individuals and the UK. We believe this change would recognise their contributions, promote faster social integration, and provide stability for families.
We also believe it could address any labour shortages by encouraging skilled workers to stay in the UK, creating a more inclusive system that strengthens the economy and rewards good conduct.