For work
Working in United Kingdom: how long to residence and citizenship
The thing a visa list won't tell you
A ten-year settlement baseline has been consulted on but is NOT law. What IS in force: B2 English for new Skilled Worker applicants from 8 January 2026.
Your ladder
- 5 years
Skilled Worker
✓ counts toward citizenship
- 5 years
Proposed longer settlement waitproposal
✓ counts toward citizenship
Permanent residence at
5 years
Citizenship assessed at
6 years
Still to serve after these rungs
0 years
This route includes a rule that is only PROPOSED, not law. Plan on the rules in force today.
Run this with your own profile →Sources
- · Skilled Worker route; B2 English required for new applicants from 8 Jan 2026 (in force)
- · PROPOSAL ONLY — 2025 white paper and the Nov 2025 'A Fairer Pathway to Settlement' consultation (closed 12 Feb 2026) would raise the baseline to 10 years, with a reduced 'earned settlement' path and a longer period for roles below RQF 6
- · ILR after 5 years under current rules; the 10-year baseline remains a proposal, not law
- · Naturalisation generally 5 years' residence plus 12 months holding settled status
Keep going
- All study and work routes →
- Studying in United Kingdom instead →
- How to find a regulated immigration lawyer in United Kingdom →
- What buying a home in United Kingdom actually costs →
Not immigration advice. Orientation only. Immigration rules change often and decisions are discretionary — nothing here is a promise of residence or citizenship. Check your case with a licensed immigration adviser. Rules reviewed 2026-07. (2026-07)