Protect the 5-Year ILR Pathway for Existing Skilled Worker Visa Holders

Rejected 18 signatures

What the petition asks

We ask the UK Government not to apply the proposed extension of the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) qualifying period from 5 years to 10 years to migrants already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa. Any such change should apply only to new applicants from the date the policy comes into effect.

Many Skilled Worker visa holders made the decision to move to the UK based on the current 5-year ILR pathway. They have contributed significantly to the UK economy, paid taxes, supported essential public services, and built lives here with families. Changing the ILR requirements retrospectively would disrupt thousands of families, including children who are settled in UK schools and communities.
We urge the Government to:
Retain the 5year ILR pathway for all existing Skilled Worker visa holders.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

You may wish to sign the following petitions:

Do not apply ILR qualifying period changes retrospectively to ILR applicants
Do not apply ILR qualifying period changes retrospectively to ILR applicants

Keep 5-year ILR for Skilled Workers & dependents who come before April 2026
Keep 5-year ILR for Skilled Workers & dependents who come before April 2026

Keep the 5-year pathway for all legal immigrants to apply for ILR
Keep the 5-year pathway for all legal immigrants to apply for ILR

Timeline

22 Nov 2025	Petition opened for signatures
9 Jan 2026	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 18

Status Rejected

Rejected 9 Jan 2026

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