<\/p>\n
Quick Read<\/p>\n
For years, Indian families heard one line about the UK: study, work for five years, settle. That line is now out of date. On 2 November 2026 the Home Office published its final response on “Earned Settlement”, and it changes the maths for almost every student who goes on to work in the UK.<\/p>\n
This guide lays out the honest version — which visas count and which don’t, the salary tiers that now decide how long you wait, a worked example with real dates, and what it all means for choosing a UK Master’s. Every figure was checked against official UK government sources in November 2026; because these rules are still being written into law, we tell you exactly where to confirm them.<\/p>\n
The government’s response, A Fairer Pathway to Settlement<\/strong> (CP 1707), confirms that the starting point for ILR is now 10 years<\/strong>. You can settle faster by earning more or working in eligible public-service roles, and slower if you claim public funds or break immigration rules.<\/p>\n \n Policy now, law later.<\/strong> This is the government’s confirmed policy, but the detailed Immigration Rules and guidance have not yet been published. The government says further technical guidance will come before implementation. Settlement applications are normally decided under the rules in force on the date of decision, so anyone who doesn’t already hold ILR should plan on the new framework.\n<\/p>\nThe visas on the way, and which ones count<\/h2>\n