PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(12 March 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has been made of the impact of proposed changes to the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain on international nursing staff; and what steps the Department is taking to ensure the UK can retain the nursing workforce.

Asked by:
Alex Brewer (Liberal Democrat)

The consultation for the earned settlement model, as proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026.

As part of this consultation, we sought views on the potential impact of the proposed changes, including the impact on international nursing staff.

We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received.  This analysis will help inform the development of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement.

Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.  As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to both economic and equality impact assessments.

Answered by:
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