Thousands of Migrants Who Have Spent Years Living and Working in Britain Left Worried After Discovering a Shocking Change That Could Affect Their Future in the UK

Young people hoping to settle permanently in the UK have criticised the Government’s new immigration changes, saying they are unfair and have left them worried about their future.

Under the changes announced by the Government, many migrants earning less than £50,271 a year will have to wait 10 years instead of five before they can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). This is the immigration status that allows someone to live and work in Britain permanently.

Around 500,000 migrants are expected to be affected by the longer waiting period, including people who have already spent several years living and working in the UK.

One of those affected is 25-year-old Sarah Cohen, who has been living in Britain since she was 17.

Sarah first came to the UK on a student visa before moving to a skilled worker visa in 2023. She had expected to qualify for permanent residency in 2028, but the changes mean she may now have to wait until 2033.

This means she could spend 16 years in Britain before becoming eligible to settle permanently.

Speaking to The i Paper, Sarah said the decision was upsetting because many foreign workers are doing important jobs that Britain needs.

She explained that people on skilled worker visas often fill jobs where employers struggle to find enough workers.

However, despite working and contributing to the country, many are now being told they must wait longer before they can settle.

Sarah, who works in sales, also said finding a job is difficult because not every employer is willing to sponsor foreign workers.

She previously paid £1,865 from her own money to obtain her skilled worker visa.

Another young migrant affected by the changes is 23-year-old Riley Connor, who moved to Britain from Oklahoma in the United States to study at university.

Riley has recently graduated and had planned to find a job that would allow her to remain in Britain and eventually apply for permanent residency.

However, she now believes she could face a 10-year wait because she does not expect to earn more than £50,000 anytime soon.

She described the changes as worrying and said she feels uncertain about her future.

Riley’s student visa expires early next year, and she is currently applying for a two-year graduate visa.

She is also concerned about the cost of staying legally in Britain for another decade.

While studying, Riley paid £776 each year towards the NHS surcharge. Since graduating, that amount has increased to £1,035 annually.

She said it was unfair to judge how much someone contributes to Britain simply by looking at their salary.

The Government has explained that the new system will allow people who earn more or work in certain important professions to settle sooner.

For example, migrants earning at least £50,271 for three of the five years before applying could still qualify for permanent residency after five years.

Doctors, nurses, teachers and certain other public service workers could also qualify after five years.

Some care workers who arrived before May 2025 and meet the required salary and visa conditions could also benefit from the shorter waiting period.

Meanwhile, people earning more than £125,141 a year and certain highly skilled migrants, including those on Global Talent visas, could qualify after just three years.

However, some migrants who have claimed certain benefits or broken immigration rules could face a waiting period of at least 20 years.

The Government also wants applicants to meet other requirements, including having no criminal record, speaking English to a high standard, having no outstanding debts to the taxpayer and showing that they have consistently paid National Insurance.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has defended the changes, arguing that permanent settlement should be earned rather than automatically granted after a certain number of years.

She believes people who make greater contributions to Britain should have the opportunity to settle more quickly.

However, trade unions have questioned whether it is fair to change the rules for people who already moved to Britain under the previous system.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, questioned why an NHS doctor might have to wait five years while someone working in finance and earning a much higher salary could qualify after three.

She also raised concerns about changing immigration requirements for workers who have already made plans based on the existing rules.

Paul Nowak, chair of the Trades Union Congress, said Britain needs an immigration system that is fair, properly managed and allows people to come to the country to work and contribute.

For Sarah, Riley and many other young migrants, the biggest concern is the uncertainty surrounding their future.

Many came to Britain to study, find employment and build a permanent life. They now fear they may have to spend several more years paying visa fees and meeting immigration requirements before they can finally call the UK their permanent home.