- محمد امام عبد الرحيم
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The UK government wants to change how migrants qualify for permanent residence. Under its UK earned settlement plan, the standard wait for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) would double from five to ten years. However, only part of this reform is actually law today, and many Egyptians in the UK are unsure what applies to them.
In short, one change now has a firm date, while the ten-year model is still a proposal. This guide separates the two clearly. It also explains which documents need certified translation when you apply to settle.
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Confirmed: B2 English for Settlement from 26 March 2027
On 5 March 2026, the government laid Statement of Changes HC 1691 before Parliament. Among other things, it raises the English level for settlement from B1 to B2 on the CEFR scale. This applies to settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027, and it covers speaking and listening.
The change reaches many routes. For example, it covers Skilled Worker, Global Talent, UK Ancestry, Long Residence, Private Life and some family settlement routes. So if you apply before 26 March 2027, the B1 standard will normally still apply to you. If you apply on or after that date, you will need B2.
This matters for many Egyptians. Egypt is not a majority English-speaking country for UK purposes. Therefore, you must prove your level with an approved test, a UK degree, or an overseas degree taught in English. Our guide to the UK B2 English requirement for Egyptians explains these options in detail.
Still Proposed: The UK Earned Settlement Model
The government published its consultation, “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement”, on 20 November 2025. The consultation closed on 12 February 2026. As of October 2026, the government has not laid any Immigration Rules for the ten-year model. In fact, the Home Secretary told MPs in September 2026 that the final policy would come “later this year”.
Under the proposals, the main features are:
- A ten-year baseline – the default qualifying period would rise from five to ten years for most routes.
- Mandatory conditions – B2 English, the Life in the UK test, a clean criminal record, earnings above £12,570 for several years, and no unpaid government debts.
- Possible reductions – for example, C1 English could cut one year, and high earnings or public service could cut more.
- Possible increases – claiming public funds or breaching immigration rules could add years.
- Partners of British citizens – they would keep a five-year route if they meet the family rules.
Remember, these points are proposals, not law. The details may change before the government lays any rules.
What Happens to People Already in the UK?
This is the biggest open question. The consultation asked whether people already on a route should keep the five-year path. Meanwhile, the Home Secretary has said the government is weighing options. One option is to “passport” some cohorts through at five years, while others may face a longer period.
She also noted a key legal principle. Generally, the rules in force when you apply decide your case, not the rules when you arrived. As a result, the transitional arrangements will be crucial for current visa holders. The government has said it wants to give certainty before February 2027, when many people who arrived in 2022 become eligible under today’s rules.
UK Earned Settlement: What It Means for Egyptians
Egyptians in the UK hold many types of visa, so the impact varies. Here is a practical view for the main groups:
- Skilled Workers near five years. If you will reach five years before 26 March 2027, you may be able to apply at B1. Still, check your exact dates and the current rules first.
- Skilled Workers further away. You should plan for B2 English. In addition, keep strong records of your salary and tax, since contribution may count under UK earned settlement.
- Spouses of British citizens. Under the proposals, this group would keep a five-year route. Even so, check whether the B2 settlement rule from March 2027 covers your specific family route.
- Dependants. Partners and children on a main applicant’s visa should follow the same timelines, because their eligibility often depends on the main applicant.
Practical steps to take now
- Check your dates. Work out exactly when you will reach your qualifying period.
- Book an English test early. If you need B2, give yourself time to prepare and retake if necessary.
- Organise your records. Keep payslips, P60s and tax records in one place.
- Prepare your civil documents. Get certified translations of Arabic certificates before you need them.
Above all, avoid making major decisions based on rumours. Instead, rely on GOV.UK and qualified UK immigration advice.
Documents That Need Certified Translation for Settlement
GOV.UK states that you need a certified translation of any document that is not in English or Welsh. For Egyptian applicants, the usual documents are:
- Marriage certificates, to prove a relationship or a name change
- Birth certificates of children included in the application
- Divorce certificates, if you or your partner were married before
- Name-change evidence, such as a corrected national ID record or family registry extract
- Academic certificates and transcripts, if you use a degree to prove English
Name consistency is especially important. For instance, if your passport says “Mohamed” but an old certificate says “Muhammad”, explain the difference with supporting evidence. Otherwise, a caseworker may ask for more information and delay your decision.
How COT Helps With UK Settlement Translations
A UK certified translation must include the translator’s confirmation that it is accurate. It also needs the date, the translator’s full name and signature, and contact details. At COT, every certified translation includes this statement, our official stamp and our contact details.
In addition, we deliver a clear PDF for online upload and a printed, stamped copy if you need one. You can send scans on WhatsApp at 01111760177 for a quick quote. For document-specific advice, see our guides to marriage certificate translation for visa applications and certified translation for UK visa applications from Egypt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ten-year UK earned settlement rule in force?
No. As of October 2026, it is still a proposal. The current five-year routes to ILR remain open until new rules take effect.
When does the B2 English requirement for ILR start?
It starts on 26 March 2027. Settlement applications made before that date normally still use the B1 standard.
Will the new rules apply to people already in the UK?
Possibly. The government is still deciding on transitional arrangements, so watch GOV.UK for the final policy.
Do I need to translate my Egyptian marriage certificate for ILR?
Yes, if it is in Arabic. GOV.UK requires a certified translation of any document that is not in English or Welsh.
Does the Life in the UK test still apply?
Yes. Most ILR applicants already need to pass it, and the proposals keep it as a mandatory requirement.
This guide reflects rules published as of October 2026. Requirements can change, so always confirm the latest guidance on GOV.UK before you apply.
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