Shockwaves in Social Care: UK's 'Unprecedented' Immigration Overhaul Targets Overseas Workers with 15-Year Path to Settlement

February 9, 2026

By Xavio

Care workers from overseas, like those pictured here in a residential care setting, are at the centre of the UK government's proposed immigration overhaul. New rules could see their wait for permanent settlement extended from 5 to up to 15 years.

The UK government has unveiled what experts call the most radical overhaul of legal migration in over 50 years – and overseas care workers are at the heart of the storm. With a public consultation closing in just days on 12 February 2026, sweeping changes set for April 2026 could extend the wait for permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) to 15 years for many migrant care staff. This "earned settlement" proposal has sparked fierce debate, pitting migration control against the realities of an ageing population reliant on international talent.

The Bombshell Proposal: From 5 Years to 15?Under the new "earned settlement" framework:

• Standard qualifying period for ILR doubles from 5 to 10 years for most skilled workers.

• For lower-skilled roles (below degree level, RQF Level 6) – including care workers and senior care workers – the default rises to 15 years.

• Reductions possible based on "contributions to British society": higher earnings, English proficiency, and community involvement could shave years off the wait.

• These rules will apply retrospectively, affecting even those who arrived years ago on Health and Care visas.

Critics call it punitive; supporters hail it as fairer and sustainable. For ongoing analysis of these proposed visa rules, you can follow updates at visasupdate.com/news.

Crackdown on Abuse: Home Office Inspections Uncover Widespread Violations

The changes come amid an intense Home Office enforcement drive. Since 2022, over 470 care sector sponsor licences have been revoked after compliance visits revealed shocking abuses:

• Underpayment: Workers paid below government minimums or going rates.

• Ghost employment: Visa holders not given real jobs – staying home while fake salary slips were created (often via money transfers withdrawn and returned).

• Exorbitant fees: Workers charged huge illegal sums (up to £20,000 reported) for Certificates of Sponsorship and visa processing.

• Exploitation: Forced overtime without pay, poor conditions, and coercion.

• Poor record-keeping: Employers failing to maintain proper employee data – salaries, addresses, proof of residence.

• Job switching: Workers sponsored for care roles but placed in unrelated jobs elsewhere.

These findings have fuelled the government's resolve to end reliance on overseas recruitment in adult social care – a route already closed to new applicants since July 2025.

Official Guidance on the UK's Immigration Overhaul

For the complete and official details regarding the proposed immigration overhaul, including the full consultation document and how to submit a response, you must refer to the source on the UK Government's website: Official UK Government Consultation on the 'Earned Settlement' Proposal.

What's Next? Your Voice Matters

The consultation ends 12 February 2026 – just three days away. Final decisions will follow, with implementation from April 2026.Existing workers can extend under transitional rules until 2028 in some cases, but the long-term path to settlement looks dramatically longer. Care providers warn of deepening staffing crises. Migrant workers – many from India, Nigeria, and the Philippines – face uncertainty after years of dedicated service.

The Human Impact

Thousands who came to fill vital gaps now wonder if they'll ever call Britain home permanently. As one affected worker told reporters: "We care for your elderly, but who cares for our future? "The debate is intensifying. Will these historic changes protect vulnerable workers – or break a system already on its knees?

For official details and to understand the full context of the policy, visit the official UK government website (gov.uk) and respond to the consultation before it's too late. What side are you on? The conversation is just beginning.