Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In November 2025, the UK Government published proposed reforms to the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) system.
These changes are not yet confirmed, but they have the potential to significantly impact internationally educated nursing staff working across health and social care.
Among the key proposals is doubling the standard qualifying period for ILR from five to ten years, with some staff, including nursing support workers, potentially waiting up to 15 years before becoming eligible. The RCN is strongly opposing these proposals. These changes would entrench exploitation, deepen inequality and impact migrant workers who already hold up the NHS and care services.
This webinar will help you build a clearer understanding of what these reforms could mean for you. It will help answer your questions about:
The UK Government’s proposals on Indefinite Leave to Remain.
What changes could mean for different visa routes and career pathways.
How the RCN is responding to these proposals and working to influence the UK Government.
How you can act in regard to this issue.
Participants will be able to ask questions directly to our expert panellists during the live event.
IENs are not disposal labour, they are essential workers who deserve stability, dignity, and the right to build a life here.
Please join us to understand what these proposals mean for you and how we organise collectively to challenge them.
In November 2025, the UK Government published proposed reforms to the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) system.
These changes are not yet confirmed, but they have the potential to significantly impact internationally educated nursing staff working across health and social care.
Among the key proposals is doubling the standard qualifying period for ILR from five to ten years, with some staff, including nursing support workers, potentially waiting up to 15 years before becoming eligible. The RCN is strongly opposing these proposals. These changes would entrench exploitation, deepen inequality and impact migrant workers who already hold up the NHS and care services.
This webinar will help you build a clearer understanding of what these reforms could mean for you. It will help answer your questions about:
The UK Government’s proposals on Indefinite Leave to Remain.
What changes could mean for different visa routes and career pathways.
How the RCN is responding to these proposals and working to influence the UK Government.
How you can act in regard to this issue.
Participants will be able to ask questions directly to our expert panellists during the live event.
IENs are not disposal labour, they are essential workers who deserve stability, dignity, and the right to build a life here.
Please join us to understand what these proposals mean for you and how we organise collectively to challenge them.
