How to Write to Your Local MP About the Proposed 10-Year ILR Settlement Changes

More than 125,000 people have signed UK Parliament Petition 775267 ('Legislate to protect ILR applicants from retrospective changes'). Reaching 100,000 signatures means the Petitions Committee considers the petition for a debate in Westminster Hall and requires a government response, but it does not automatically guarantee a parliamentary debate or amend the Immigration Rules. As documented in House of Commons Library Research Briefing CBP-10267 (updated 3 November 2026), changes to the Immigration Rules take effect via Statements of Changes unless MPs actively scrutinise or pray against them within 40 sitting days. When constituents across the UK write directly to their local MPs, it places transitional protection on MPs' parliamentary agenda ahead of the upcoming Statements of Changes.

Below is the structured constituent letter used in our interactive MP Letter Composer. You can automatically address it to your MP by entering your postcode above:

"Dear [MP Name],

I am writing as your constituent to express my concern about the proposed Earned Settlement changes and their potential impact on people already living and working in the UK under the existing five-year Skilled Worker settlement pathway.

The official GOV.UK Skilled Worker guidance has stated that eligible applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.

Many people made substantial life decisions based on this published pathway. They relocated their families, accepted sponsored employment, paid visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge, contributed through income tax and National Insurance, and established their lives in the UK.

I understand that immigration policy can change. However, extending the settlement qualifying period for people already progressing through an established five-year pathway raises serious questions about fairness and transitional protection.

I respectfully ask you to: - Raise this issue with the Home Secretary. - Support transitional protection for existing Skilled Worker visa holders on the five-year pathway. - Seek clarity about how the government intends to protect people who made life-changing decisions under the previously published settlement arrangements. - Raise the impact on affected families in Parliament where possible.

I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking for a fair opportunity to complete the settlement journey under the pathway that existed when I made my decision to build my life in the UK.

I would appreciate your response and confirmation of what action you are willing to take.

Yours sincerely, [Constituent's Name]"