Answering a written question tabled by MP Yasmin Qureshi, Immigration Minister Jo White confirmed on 19 October 2026 that the outcome of the government’s ‘earned settlement’ consultation will be presented to Parliament prior to any Immigration Rule changes. The assurance comes amid business-community concern that raising salary, language or integration thresholds without notice could disrupt workforce-planning for sponsors of long-term assignees. By committing to a formal statement, the Home Office signals it will allow at least a 21-sitting-day scrutiny window—standard practice for Statement of Changes documents but not always honoured in recent years. Stakeholders should nonetheless monitor the consultation report, expected in November, to anticipate policy direction. Proposals mooted include a five-year minimum salary at or above the Immigration Salary List and mandatory community-service participation. Mobility teams are advised to engage with trade bodies preparing briefing papers for the forthcoming debate and to gather data on employees who may need accelerated ILR applications before thresholds rise.
Source: UK Parliament Written Question
