Exploring experiences and impacts of journeys to settlement

This project will explore how migrant settlement policy impacts integration outcomes and racial inequalities in the UK. 

Why this project is important

The UK has witnessed a rising number of people granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The number is expected to grow in the coming years as the large number of arrivals in the 2021-2024 period become eligible for settlement. The projected surge in ILR grants has triggered intense political and media debate over the impacts of settlement in the UK.

The government has proposed a major overhaul of settlement policy. In November 2025, the Home Office set out new plans for a model of ‘earned settlement’. The qualifying period for ILR is expected to be increased and settlement will be conditional on individual economic and social contributions.

What it will involve

There is a lack of evidence underpinning this debate and policy reform agenda. Little is known about the experiences of people’s journeys to settlement and the impacts of acquiring ILR on integration outcomes. The research team aim to fill this gap through answering the following questions:

• How do migrants’ integration outcomes – including employment levels, wages, occupation, language proficiency, physical and mental wellbeing, intention to stay, and community belonging – change over time as they make their journey to settlement?
• What relationship, if any, is there between the acquisition of settlement and the above labour market and integration outcomes?
• What individual factors determine whether people apply for indefinite leave to remain once they become eligible?
• How does policy on settlement impact on racial inequalities and disadvantage, and how is the experience of people’s journeys to settlement shaped by their ethnic background?

The research will be completed in three stages: 

1. Literature and policy review led by IPPR to synthesize existing evidence and analyse settlement trends. 
2. Longitudinal survey by Ipsos, tracking Skilled Worker visa holders’ integration outcomes before and after ILR eligibility. 
3. Qualitative study by IPPR and We Belong, involving biographical interviews to explore migrants’ lived experiences. 

How it will make a difference

Findings will be directly shared with key stakeholders, including government officials and civil society organisations. Outputs will aim to deepen public understanding of migrants’ journeys to settlement and inform the design of UK settlement policy.