Proposed Changes in UK Immigration Law: Settlement Duration Increasing from 5 to 10 Years
The UK government has announced potential immigration reforms that could double the standard qualifying period for settlement from 5 years to 10 years. The changes, part of the government’s Plan for Change, aim to strengthen the UK’s immigration system by introducing a points-based approach to settlement and citizenship, based on contributions to the UK. These reforms will create a more structured and sustainable approach to family migration, ensuring better integration, financial independence, and fairness within the UK immigration system.
Impact of Immigration Rule Changes on Applicants already in the UK
With the limited information released by UK government, nothing can be said with certainly that whether all or part of current immigrants and future applicants will be be impacted or not. This means vigilance is required to monitor updates and prepare proactively for possible changes.
Reform of Family Migration Policy – UK Home Office Announcement
By the end of this year, the UK Government will introduce a revised family migration policy designed to provide clarity, efficiency, and fairness across all immigration routes. The new framework will apply to all UK residents, including British citizens, individuals with settled status, those on work routes, and refugees seeking family reunification. Key aspects of the policy include:Relationship RequirementsStrengthened criteria will ensure that only individuals in genuine, subsisting relationships qualify for family reunification. The policy will also include enhanced safeguards against forced marriage and protections for victims of domestic abuse.
Financial Sustainability- Higher Financial Requirements
The financial requirements for dependants will be reviewed and expanded to additional immigration routes, ensuring that family units have sufficient resources to support new arrivals without relying on public funds.
Addressing Inefficiencies in Family Migration
Current immigration regulations provide distinct but complex routes for various categories of dependants, including family visa applications such as Fiance Visa, Civil Partnership Visa, Spouse Visa, Dependent Children Visa and Adult Dependent Relative Visa. However, the system has become increasingly inefficient, operationally burdensome, and vulnerable to exploitation. To address these challenges, the Home Office will restructure family and private life migration rules to establish a clear, consistent framework—reducing reliance on exceptional case considerations.
Family and Private Life Visa 10 Years Route- Clarifying Exceptional Circumstances
Family reunification has long been a fundamental aspect of UK immigration policy, with provisions allowing for exceptional circumstances under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). In recent years, the number of cases adjudicated under ‘exceptional circumstances’ has risen substantially. While unique cases will always exist, a more defined approach will provide greater certainty for applicants, caseworkers, and courts, reducing ambiguity in decision-making.
Enhancing English Language Requirements
Applicants will be required to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language skills to facilitate effective integration into local communities. These requirements will be extended across a broader range of immigration categories. To further improve integration and standardize expectations across immigration categories, the Home Office will implement the following changes:Visa Extensions & Settlement Individuals will need to demonstrate progression in their English language skills, achieving A2-level proficiency for visa extensions and B2-level proficiency for settlement applications. Language requirements for settlement across the majority of immigration routes will be increased from B1 to B2.
Financial Impact of Settlement Route Changes 5 Years to 10 Years
Currently, a standard UK family visa application costs £3,908.50, comprising:
- £1,321 – Home Office visa application fee
- £2,587.50 – Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per 2.5 years)
- Under the new 10-year settlement route, the total visa costs would double to £7,817, alongside additional legal fees for two further visa applications, which could be typically £4,000 or more. In total, families may need £11,000–£12,000 or more to reach settlement.
On a positive note, our fees are exceptionally competitive, all inclusive, no VAT and no hidden costs whatsoever, read more. Further, the quality and success of our services stays top notched, see our work since 2006.
These increased costs underscore the importance of strategic preparation to mitigate financial strain and ensure visa continuity.
How ZR Visas Can Help You Prepare
Although immigration laws are beyond control, early action significantly enhances preparation and minimizes risks. ZR Visas strongly recommends booking services at least 6–8 months before visa expiry, ensuring:
- Unlimited legal advice until visa expiration
- Protection against fee increases by securing current service rates
- Strategic early submissions if legal changes occur
- Tailored advice and support for unexpected circumstances
- Client Case Updates & Remedial Actions For clients with Current Open Cases, ZR Visas remains committed to keeping you informed. Whenever we receive updates from the Home Office, we will promptly notify you and provide guidance on any necessary remedial actions you can take. Our priority is ensuring that you have the latest information and a strategic response to any developments that may impact your application. If you have any concerns or require further assistance, please reach out.
Booking & Service Availability
You can book the service from the webpage of relevant visa. To maintain quality and efficiency, we sometimes operates a waiting list for new bookings, due to unprecedented demand of our services in 67 countries. If services are marked ‘Out of Stock,’ it means we are at full capacity. However, existing clients receive priority service without any additional fee and urgent immigration matters are addressed promptly. Therefore, we encourage existing or ex-clients to contact us with details of their interest to book service, along with current billing address.
For the latest average waiting times, visit Waiting List Page.
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Key Benefits of Early Visa Preparation
✔ Award-Winning Expertise – UK-registered immigration advisers allocated from day one ✔ Unlimited Visa Advice & Support – Guidance throughout the process, from application to decision ✔ Thorough Document Preparation – Ensuring a complete and robust application ✔ Mitigation of Immigration Law Changes – Assistance in adapting to policy shifts ✔ Minimizing Employment Disruptions – Ensuring uninterrupted work rights ✔ Family Visa Support – Critical guidance on spouse visas, dependent children, and fiance visa transitions ✔ Better Relationship Evidence – Strengthening documentation for approval ✔ Financial Planning & Risk Reduction – Helping avoid excessive costs due to urgent applications ✔ Securing Housing & Right to Rent – Support in providing verification for landlords and agencies ✔ Stress-Free Application Process – Avoiding last-minute delays and legal complications ✔ Faster Processing – Well-prepared applications lead to quicker decisions and minimal travel disruptions
Take Action Today
With immigration changes on the horizon, timely preparation is essential. Secure your visa application early with ZR Visas, benefiting from expert guidance, cost protection, and strategic planning. Book Service Now.
Contact ZR Visas Team
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