How will the ILR points system be scored?

Exact point values have not been published. Based on the 2025 White Paper, points are expected to be awarded for tax and National Insurance contributions, English language proficiency (above B1), continuous employment, qualifications, and community involvement. Higher contributions and achievements would earn more points.

Can I get ILR in 5 years under the new system?

The government has indicated that high-performing individuals who accumulate enough points could still qualify for ILR in 5 years. This is expected to require a high salary, strong English language skills, continuous employment, and possibly community involvement. The standard period would be 10 years.

Will the points system apply to spouse visa holders?

This is not yet confirmed. The White Paper focused primarily on work routes. It is possible that the spouse visa route will have different settlement criteria, but no specific details have been announced for family visa holders.

What if I do not earn enough points for 5-year settlement?

Under the proposed system, if you do not accumulate enough points for accelerated (5-year) settlement, you would continue on your visa route and apply for ILR after 10 years. During this time, you would need to keep extending your visa and paying associated fees.

How can I prepare to maximise my points?

Focus on the factors most likely to earn points: maintain continuous employment and tax contributions, improve your English beyond the minimum B1 level, gain UK qualifications if possible, engage in community activities, and maintain a clean criminal record. Even though exact criteria are not published, these actions are universally beneficial.

How the New ILR Points System Will Work

The proposed ILR points system would assess applicants on their contribution to the UK rather than simply time spent here. Points would likely be awarded for economic contribution, English language ability, community involvement, and qualifications. This guide analyses the likely scoring framework and provides practical advice for maximising your chances.

The Framework

Based on the 2025 Immigration White Paper and subsequent government statements, the ILR points system is expected to assess applicants across several categories. The current ILR requirements are published on the GOV.UK indefinite leave to remain page. While exact point values are not yet known, we can outline the expected framework.

The system would have two tiers:

Accelerated settlement (5 years). For applicants who accumulate a high number of points, demonstrating exceptional contribution to the UK.
Standard settlement (10 years). For applicants who meet the minimum requirements but have not accumulated enough points for accelerated settlement.

Both tiers would likely require a minimum qualifying period (you cannot apply for ILR on day one regardless of your points) and a minimum point threshold.

Expected Scoring Categories

Economic Contribution

This is expected to be the most heavily weighted category. Factors likely to be scored include:

Income tax paid. Higher tax contributions may earn more points. Those earning above the higher-rate threshold (£50,270 in 2026) may receive maximum points in this category.
National Insurance contributions. Continuous NI contributions demonstrate sustained employment.
Self-sufficiency. No reliance on public funds throughout your stay.
Continuous employment. Gaps in employment may reduce points.

English Language

B1 (intermediate) is currently the minimum for ILR. You can check the approved English language tests on GOV.UK. Under the points system:

B1: Minimum requirement (may earn base points)
B2: Additional points for upper-intermediate English
C1/C2: Maximum points for advanced or proficiency-level English

This incentivises applicants to improve their English beyond the minimum, which aligns with the government's integration goals.

Community Integration

The government has emphasised the importance of integration. Points may be awarded for:

Regular volunteering with registered charities or community organisations
Participation in civic activities
Involvement in schools, sports clubs, or religious organisations
Completing the Life in the UK test (likely to remain mandatory, with possible bonus points for high scores)

Qualifications and Skills

UK qualifications. Degrees, professional certifications, or vocational qualifications earned in the UK.
Working in priority sectors. Healthcare, education, STEM, and other sectors the government considers strategically important.
Professional development. Ongoing training and skills improvement during your time in the UK.

Illustrative Scenarios

While we cannot provide exact scores (they have not been published), here are illustrative scenarios showing how the system might work:

High Earner, Strong English

A Skilled Worker earning £65,000 per year with C1 English, volunteering regularly, and holding a UK master's degree. This person would likely accumulate maximum or near-maximum points and qualify for accelerated settlement at 5 years.

Average Earner, Minimum English

A Skilled Worker earning £38,700 with B1 English, no significant community involvement, and no UK qualifications. This person might not accumulate enough points for accelerated settlement and would need to wait until 10 years.

Spouse Visa Holder

How the points system applies to spouse visa holders is unclear. If it does apply, a spouse who works, pays tax, achieves B2 English, and is active in the community could potentially still settle in 5 years. A spouse who does not work may face a longer path.

Impact on Different Visa Routes

Skilled Worker Visa

Skilled Worker visa holders are likely to be the most directly affected. Currently, 5 years of continuous employment leads to ILR. Under the new system, only high performers may achieve this in 5 years. Others may wait 10 years.

Spouse and Partner Visas

The current spouse visa route leads to ILR after 5 years. If the points system is applied to family visas, this could change significantly. However, there may be separate arrangements for family routes — the government has not confirmed the details.

Other Work Routes

Global Talent, Innovator Founder, and other work visas that currently lead to ILR would likely be covered by the points system. The specific impact depends on the scoring criteria.

How to Prepare

Even without exact details, you can take practical steps now:

Maximise your earnings. Higher income means more tax, which means more points. If a promotion or better-paying role is available, it has immigration benefits too.
Improve your English. If you are at B1, work towards B2 or C1. There are many free resources available, including from the British Council and BBC Learning English.
Get involved in your community. Start volunteering, join local organisations, or participate in community events. Keep records of your involvement.
Maintain continuous employment. Avoid gaps in your work history if possible.
Consider UK qualifications. If a professional qualification or course would advance your career and earn points, it may be worth pursuing.
Keep detailed records. Save payslips, P60s, tax returns, volunteering logs, certificates, and anything that demonstrates your contribution.

Next Steps

Stay informed about developments as the government consults on the detail. Monitor the latest visa fees and regulations on GOV.UK. If you are eligible for ILR under the current rules, seriously consider applying before changes take effect.

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