We asked parliamentarians to provide a summary of the casework they have received from constituents in relation to the proposed Earned Settlement model. The aim was to understand the main concerns being raised, who is affected by the proposals, the impacts constituents anticipate, and the types of changes or support they are seeking from parliamentarians.
Below is a summary of the aggregate casework trends reported by parliamentarians’ offices.
The data provides insight into:
- Who is most affected
- Which issues are being raised most frequently
- The real-world impacts on constituents
- What help/solutions constituents have requested.
Methodology note: Figures represent approximate volumes and include overlap between categories. The findings should be read as indicative of trends and relative prevalence.
Overview
Aggregate casework data shows consistent concern about the Government’s proposed Earned Settlement Model. Nearly two-thirds of reported cases (around 65%) involve whole family units, and around one quarter (25%) involve children. The most frequently raised issues relate to extended settlement timelines of 10–20 years (raised in around 90% of cases), a lack of clarity and legal certainty (around 100%), and concerns about fairness and retrospective application of new rules. The most commonly reported impacts are on mental health and wellbeing and on constituents’ ability to plan long-term lives in the UK, with significant numbers also citing risks of family separation and financial hardship. Parliamentarians’ offices consistently identify clearer guidance, capped settlement timelines, and transitional protections for those already on a route as the changes that constituents/members of the public have most requested.
Who Is Affected?
The data shows that the proposed changes are not affecting individuals in isolation, but entire households and families.
Key findings
- 100% of reported cases involve the main applicant
- ~65% involve whole family units
- ~52% involve partners or spouses
- ~25% involve children
A smaller but notable number of cases reference impacts on employers and public services (including health and care)
Which Groups Are Most Affected?
While Skilled Workers and Health & Care Workers account for the largest share of cases, impacts are spread across multiple routes.
Most frequently cited groups
- Skilled Worker / Health & Care Worker routes (73.8%)
- Private Life routes (56.20%)
- Family routes (47.90%)
- Dependants (partners and children) (37.50%)
Casework has also been submitted by people who are now on closed routes such as the ECAA, which has been closed to new applicants since 31 December 2020.
A few cases have also highlighted the lack of parity between EU and non-EU nationals with the same status and uncertainty around student visas, especially postgraduate research, and whether this time will count towards settlement.
Key Issues Raised By Constituents
Across all offices, there is strong consistency in the issues being raised.
Most frequently cited concerns
- Extended settlement timelines (10–20 years) – (100% of cases)
- Lack of clarity and legal certainty (100% of cases)
- Fairness and dignity concerns (100% of cases)
- Retrospective application of new settlement rules (100%)
- Income or contribution thresholds excluding lower-paid workers (~78%)
- Contribution to UK society not being adequately recognised (~66%)
Concerns about dependants and children having to meet independent settlement criteria also feature prominently.
Impacts Described In Casework
Most common impacts
- Mental health and well-being impacts (reported in almost all cases)
- Inability to plan long-term life in the UK (housing, careers, family decisions) (~86% of cases)
- Risk of family separation or delayed family settlement (~43% of cases)
- Significant financial hardship, particularly due to prolonged visa cost and the cumulative effect of paying IHS surcharge, visa fees and taxes. ( ~33%)
- Child well-being and safeguarding concerns in a notable minority of cases (14.3%)
What Would Make The Biggest Difference?
Parliamentarian’s offices were asked what solution/help constituents have requested.
Most frequently requested changes
- Clearer guidance and certainty on eligibility and implementation. (100% of cases)
- Shorter or capped settlement timelines (89.8% of cases)
- Protection from retrospective application (47.5% of cases)
- Stronger protections for dependants and children (37.3% of cases)
- Transitional arrangements for those already on a route (28.8% of cases)
- Greater flexibility in income or contribution requirements (28.8% of cases)