UK Earned Settlement Consultation and Indefinite Leave to Remain Changes - The Impact on the Aviation Sector 

The UK government recently published the consultation A Fairer Pathway to Settlement, proposing a new earned settlement model. This proposal is subject to consultation, during which the government is inviting feedback on changes that, if implemented, could significantly reshape the UK immigration system. Compared with the previous one, the new settlement plan will increase the baseline qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain and introduce mandatory eligibility criteria for all applicants over 18 years old.   

What the Proposed Changes Mean for Airline Staff   

With the consultation underway, employers in the airline sector should be aware of the potential impacts the proposed changes may have on their immigration programmes. This will allow them to engage with the consultation and review workforce and budget planning. The proposed changes will not just effect those with sponsored visas (e.g., Skilled Worker), but most visa categories.  Key considerations for the airline industry include:   

• • • The government proposes to double the standard five-year qualifying period for settlement, establishing a 10-year baseline for most immigration categories.   

• • • The increased 15-year baseline for roles in Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQL) Level 3 to 5 could significantly impact the airline sector, as well as several job codes in the industry, including engineering technicians (3113), aircraft maintenance and related trades (5234).    

• • • The extension of the qualifying period could disproportionately affect aviation staff, since long-haul schedules can result in individuals spending more than 180 days abroad annually. There is no mention of changes in the UK absences rule, as noted in a previous update.   

• • • Extension of the qualifying period may increase reliance on temporary visas and consequently increased visa costs for renewals as individuals work toward their qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain.    

• • • The new proposals impose additional compliance obligations for employers. Longer periods of immigration control extend the existing sponsor’s duties and responsibilities such as tracking, monitoring, reporting and record keeping duties of employers.   

Time-Adjusted Settlement Model Based on Earnings  

The government has proposed a new time-adjusted system, which would shorten or extend the qualifying period according to individual circumstances. Under this system, high earners are divided into two categories with varied reductions in qualifying period:   

• • • Five-year reduction for those with a taxable income of £50,270 or more for at least three years immediately prior to the settlement application  

• • • Seven-year reduction for those earning a taxable income of over £125,140 annually for the last three years immediately prior to the settlement application   

As the minimum salary thresholds for sponsorship using the applicable job codes are relatively high (currently £80,400 for pilots, £52,400 for Aerospace engineers and similar rates for other engineering and IT staff often sponsored in the airline sector), there is an opportunity for individuals working in the industry to benefit from a faster route to settlement.  

Depending on the outcome of the consultation, taxable income may include an employee’s salary, as well as any other non-guaranteed earnings on which an individual pays tax. This could lead to a faster route to settlement for some in the aviation industry who receive additional income from overtime and allowances.   

Impact on Employees or Family Members with Dependant Visas  

The proposed changes could affect those holding dependant visas, including employees or their family members.   

• • • Dependants may no longer qualify for settlement at the same time as the lead applicant and could face a longer route to eligibility based on taxable income.   

• • • The timeline to settlement will depend on when the lead applicant becomes eligible to apply.  High-earning dependants eligible for a time-adjusted, income-based reduction may need to wait until their lead applicant is entitled to apply.  

• • • High-income lead applicants can apply, but their family members may need to remain on time-limited permission if they do not qualify for time-adjusted income-based reductions.   

It is not yet confirmed whether age-cut off will apply for children to meet the mandatory settlement criteria. It remains uncertain whether a child who turns 18 before becoming eligible to apply would need to meet the contribution requirements, necessitating taxable earnings of £12,750 for three to five years.   

With airlines relying on sponsored visas as a necessity, these factors may create additional recruiting challenges for certain roles due to the uncertainty they create for the family unit. Additionally, this may have a financial impact on both businesses and families, if they choose to cover the cost of the dependant applications.   

Next Steps for UK Employers and Employees   

The proposed changes to the settlement system will have a considerable impact on employers and employees, who should take the opportunity to express their views. For airlines sector, key considerations include:   

• • • An increase in the baseline qualifying period to 15 years for roles under RQF level 6 for employees who hold a sponsored visa  

• • • Transitional arrangements for individuals who are currently on the route to settlement, including whether changes could apply retrospectively   

• • • Defining earnings for assessment purposes, including income sources  

Final Thoughts   

Employers in the aviation industry should consider the impact the proposed changes will have on their immigration programme, taking into account potential employee retention and cost implications of the extended settlement timeframes. Employers should also look to engage with the consultation and submit a specific response to the Home Office before 12 February 2026. A link to respond is here. 

Need to Know More?  

To learn more about UK airline immigration, visit Fragomen’s UK immigration services page and contact Adam Hickling at [email protected].   

This blog was published on 22 January 2026, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.