(Updated 15 December 2020)
The EU Settlement Scheme was launched by the UK Government to enable EU citizens and their family members, the ability to protect their rights after the UK leaves the EU. This includes the right to live here, work here and access public services such as healthcare and benefits.
To retain these rights after 31 December 2020, EU citizens must apply for UK immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Further detail on the Settlement Scheme can be found on GOV.UK.
Separate agreements have been made with EEA states and with Switzerland so that citizens of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein and their eligible family members will also be able to participate in the scheme.
By applying to the Scheme, you will be able to guarantee your status and rights so you can continue to live and work in the UK after the end of the planned implementation period on 31 December 2020. Successful applications to the EU Settlement Scheme will give you either:
If your application produces the incorrect status, you will have the opportunity to provide additional evidence to confirm you are eligible for settled status. This is likely to occur if you have spent time in the UK as a student prior to working. There will be no change to your current rights under EU law until the end of the planned implementation period on 31 December 2020.
Please note if you are offered pre-settled status, this does not mean your application has been rejected. This can occur if the EU Settlement Scheme App cannot confirm the information you have input.
If you make an application and you are offered pre-settled status then you will need to provide further information to confirm your residency in the UK. This information can be uploaded electronically via the application form. You can check which dates are missing and upload information for the relevant dates.
The EU Settlement Scheme will replace permanent residence. If you already have permanent residence, then you will still need to make an application to the scheme to exchange it for settled status or you can apply for British Citizenship. Permanent residence will no longer be valid after 31 December 2020.
If you have indefinite leave to remain you can continue to live in the UK without applying to the EU Settlement Scheme. However, if you choose to apply (and meet all the other conditions), you’ll get ‘indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme’ - also known as settled status.
This means you should be able to spend up to 5 years in a row outside the UK without losing your settled status (instead of 2 years with the indefinite leave to enter or remain you have now).
The Scheme is free to all EEA citizens and their family members
The EU Settlement Scheme is open. You can apply now if you meet the criteria.
The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021. You must have started living in the UK by 31 December 2020.
If you have any problems with your application please contact: