[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[Postcode]

[Email Address]

[Date]

[Name of MP]

Member of Parliament for [Your Constituency]

​

House of Commons

London

SW1A 0AA

​

Subject: Opposition to the Proposed Extension of the ILR Qualification Period

 

Dear [Mr/Ms Last Name],

I am writing as your constituent to express my strong opposition to the government’s proposal to extend the qualification period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years — particularly in cases where this change may be applied retrospectively to those already living and working in the UK under long-term visas.

This policy change would have far-reaching consequences for thousands of people who have made lawful, long-term contributions to the UK — often at significant financial, personal, and emotional cost. Extending the ILR timeline effectively penalises those who have already invested years of their lives in this country under the rules that were in place when they arrived.

The implications of this proposal are significant:

• It adds considerable financial burden, with additional visa fees and immigration health surcharges.

• It prolongs instability for individuals and families who are already integrated into British society.

• It limits access to education, housing, and job opportunities — many of which are tied to settled status.

• It undermines public confidence in the fairness and reliability of UK immigration policy.
   

Those affected are not hypothetical cases — they are workers, students, family members, care providers, and neighbours who contribute daily to our economy and communities. Changing the rules mid-way creates uncertainty and hardship for people who have followed the law and placed their trust in the UK’s institutions.

I urge you to oppose this proposal and to speak out in Parliament in support of a fair, consistent, and humane immigration policy. The UK must honour the commitments it has made to those who are already on a lawful path to settlement.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this important issue. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]