UK Releases New Immigration White Paper: Permanent Residency Threshold Extended from 5 to 10 Years | WPN World People News

British media reports that immigration numbers have increased in recent years, sparking growing anti-immigration sentiment among the UK public. On May 12, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government officially released a white paper proposing changes to the country’s immigration rules. Key proposals include extending the minimum residency requirement for applying for UK permanent residency from 5 years to 10 years, introducing a points-based system, and raising the English language proficiency standards for immigrants. The length of stay required for permanent residency will be adjusted based on the applicant's contributions, with shorter periods granted to those who make significant contributions.

The UK currently has different residency requirements for various immigration visa categories. Many follow the “5+1” model—permanent residency after five years of living or working in the UK, followed by citizenship after one more year. It remains unclear whether the new immigration system will impact all visa routes leading to permanent residency, such as the "5+1" British National (Overseas) Visa (BNO Visa). The document only states that a shorter five-year threshold will still apply for non-UK dependants of British citizens. It also confirms that settlement rights will continue to be available for vulnerable groups, including victims of domestic violence and abuse. Further details will be announced by the end of the year.

Starmer stated that the Labour government will truly fulfill the promise of “taking back control of our borders” and “deciding for ourselves who can come to the UK, ensuring immigration policy serves the national interest.” According to British media, some of the proposed measures may require amendments to primary legislation and could be delayed until the next parliamentary session in 2026.