For many South Africans, the dream of building a new life in the United Kingdom has always been an exciting one. It is a chance to live, work and eventually settle in a country that feels familiar yet full of opportunity. But if you have been counting down the years to your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), there is some not-so-great news on the horizon. The UK government is considering changes that could make the road to permanent residency in the UK longer and more challenging than before.
Before you worry too much, here is what you need to know.
Top 3 takeaways on the UK’s new immigration rules for South Africans
- The UK government is considering extending the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) qualification period from five years to ten.
- South Africans on work visas and their dependents could face delays or setbacks to permanent residency in the UK.
- Early immigration advice is essential to avoid being caught unawares by new UK visa requirements when renewing or switching visa categories.
New rules for Indefinite Leave to Remain – from 5 years to 10 – what is changing
Under current UK visa requirements, South Africans on work visas can usually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence. This leave to remain in the UK route is one of the most popular pathways to settlement and a key stepping stone that many South Africans take en route to British citizenship.
However, new proposals outlined in the UK government’s Restoring Control over the Immigration System White Paper suggest this period could double. Migrants may soon need to live in the UK for 10 years before becoming eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
If implemented, this change would affect many South Africans currently working toward settlement. Understanding what these new UK immigration rules mean for your visa journey is critical to safeguarding your long-term plans.
What this UK immigration news means for South Africans in the UK
The proposed changes are most relevant to people currently living in the UK on work visas, particularly those with family dependants.
If you are already in the UK and close to qualifying for Indefinite Leave to Remain, you may not be affected immediately. However, if your visa renewal or category switch falls under the new policy in future, it could reset your settlement clock, meaning you would need to start your five or ten-year count again.
Timing could be everything.
Anyone whose visa is due for renewal in the next year or two should take the time to understand how these new rules for Indefinite Leave to Remain might impact them. Switching visa categories could also bring applicants under the new rules, and the same applies to dependents whose eligibility for settlement could be delayed.
The best advice is to seek professional guidance as soon as possible. An immigration consultant can assess your circumstances and help you take the right steps before the rules change.
Although the proposals are not yet law, they clearly signal the UK government’s intention to tighten residency requirements in the UK and make Indefinite Leave to Remain more difficult to achieve.
Why the UK is tightening immigration rules
The move to extend leave to remain in the UK to ten years is part of a broader effort to reduce net migration and restore control of the UK immigration system.
While not yet law, these plans show the government’s intent to slow the path to permanent residency in the UK. This comes as the United Kingdom continues to attract a record number of skilled migrants, including thousands of South Africans.
According to the latest International Migration data from the England and Wales Census, more than 217,000 residents in these regions were born in South Africa. That makes the UK one of the most popular destinations for South Africans seeking stability, career growth and a better quality of life.
Cultural familiarity, shared language and established South African communities make it an appealing option for professionals looking to work abroad. The demand for skilled workers remains strong, particularly in fields such as healthcare, education, engineering and IT.
However, while the demand is high, the routes to residency are narrowing.
New immigration rules in the UK – stricter requirements and fewer opportunities
The proposed 2025 White Paper also introduces tighter UK visa requirements for foreign workers, including changes to the Skilled Worker visa, which is one of the main pathways for South Africans entering the UK job market.
- The qualification threshold will rise from RQF level 3 (equivalent to a diploma or A-level) to RQF level 6, which requires a full degree or degree with honours.
- The English language requirement will also increase from A1 (basic) to A2 (pre-intermediate) proficiency.
If these proposals are approved, around 180 job roles currently qualifying for Skilled Worker visas could be removed from the eligible occupations list, significantly reducing opportunities for new applicants.
Experts in UK immigration law say these reforms will likely reshape how businesses hire from overseas, manage compliance and retain foreign employees. Even though the rules have not yet been finalised, they point toward a more selective and restrictive immigration system.
New immigration rules in the UK – what South Africans should do next
For South Africans living and working abroad, these developments are a reminder of how quickly immigration policy can change and why cross-border financial and immigration planning is so important.
If you are currently in the UK on a work visa, it is worth reviewing your situation now. Will you still qualify for ILR in the UK under the current five-year rule, or could your next renewal fall under the 10-year residency UK route?
Understanding your position and getting the right advice before renewing, changing employers or switching visa categories could save you years of delay.
While these reforms are not yet in effect, they clearly point to a longer and more challenging process for permanent residency in England. For South Africans hoping to build a life in Britain, it is essential to stay informed and make sure your next move is the right one.
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