Debate on indefinite leave to remain for healthcare workers

E-petition 631412 is seeking to reduce the time that foreign healthcare workers in the UK have to wait to qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five years to two years. The petition closed on 20 July 2023 with 52,962 signatures but has been selected by the Petitions Committee for debate despite not reaching the usual 100,000-signature threshold.

The government’s response to the petition explained that the standard eligibility period for ILR is five years based on applicants building up ties and an ongoing commitment to the UK. This five-year qualifying period applies in almost all visa categories, including the Health and Care Worker visa.

People granted ILR can live in the UK with no time limit or visa conditions. They are no longer tied to a sponsoring employer and can claim benefits if financially eligible. It also enables the person to apply for British citizenship after another year. ILR is sometimes called settlement or permanent residence.

Overseas healthcare workers are already exempt from the immigration health surcharge of £1,035 per year levied on other visas. Some other countries, such as Canada, offer accelerated or immediate settlement to attract foreign health staff.