EU citizens living in the UK will need to apply for the Settled Status to continue living in the UK after June 2021.
All the details of the EU Settled Status in this guide are still subject to the parliamentary approval in the UK.
Follow this guide to learn more about the settled status application process, requirements, and how we can assist with your application.
Settled Status Overview
The UK government has unveiled details about the proposed EU Settlement Scheme, a system introduced for the EU citizens and their family members to obtain UK immigration status. The immigration scheme suggests a framework to secure the rights of EU citizens living in the UK following Brexit.
Details for the EU settlement scheme were recently published by the Home Office following the draft withdrawal agreement with the European Union regarding the rights of EU citizens living in the UK. The scheme promises to guarantee the same rights to work, study, benefits and public services as of pre-Brexit to all the EU citizens living in the UK and their family members.
Although the detailed design is yet to be laid before the parliament for approval, the scheme is planned to roll out in phases later this year before opening up fully by 30 March 2019. The deadline for applications under the scheme has been stated as 30 June 2021.
Publishing a long document titled “statement of intent”, the Home Office revealed details of the scheme that proposes a settlement scheme application process for the EU citizens to apply for a new UK immigration status.
Under the draft immigration rules of the scheme, all the EU citizens will have to apply for the “Settled Status” to continue living in the UK after June 2021. The scheme applies to all EU citizens including those that have already gained indefinite leave to remain or permanent residence.
For the EU citizens to be eligible under the scheme for settled status, they should have been living in the UK continuously for 5 years by 31 December 2020. Those that can’t fulfil the criteria of continuous residence of 5 years by that date will be granted “pre-settled status”. They will then be able to make a free second application for the settled status after they have fulfiled the 5-year criteria.
The scheme proposes a simple 3 steps framework for the settlement application process. EU citizens will need to i) prove their identity, ii) show that they live in the UK, and iii) declare that they have no serious criminal convictions.
The application form will be available online with additional support available over the phone or in person for those who require it. A contact centre with 1,500 staff including caseworkers to answer the queries of EU applicants and provide them with customer support will be opened as part of the plan.
Subject to approval by the UK Parliament, it will cost £65 (16 or over) and reduced fees of £32.50 (under 16) to make an application for the status. However, EU citizens with valid ILR or PR documents will be able to exchange it for the settled status without any application fees.
The scheme proposes sufficient time (until 30 June 2021) for the EU citizens and their family members to apply for their UK immigration status further assuring to maintain their current rights under EU law until 31 December 2020.
Planned for a phased roll-out from late 2018 and to open fully by 30 March 2019, the scheme is designed to enable EU citizens in the UK and their family members to continue living in the UK permanently following Brexit.
The Home Office estimates around 3.2 million to 3.8 million EU citizens living in the UK to be eligible for this scheme.
Continue reading for further details about the Settled Status for EU citizens and how to make an application for Settled Status.
What is Settled Status?
Settled Status is part of a settlement scheme by the UK government for EU citizens living in the UK following Brexit.
The application process for the Settled Status is expected to roll out in phases starting with late 2018. The applications will be fully open by 30 March 2019.
The deadline for Settled Status applications is 30 June 2021. Here’s an overview of the proposed timeline for settled and pre-settled status.
The scheme is yet to be finalised for EEA citizens including those of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
All EU citizens including those that already have permanent residence document will need to apply for the settled status under new regulations. Getting settled status as an EU citizen living in the UK will allow you to access public services, public funds and pensions.
EU citizens will also need to apply for the settled status to meet the requirements for the British citizenship application.
What are the Requirements for Settled Status?
All the requirements for the Settled Status are categorised into three main categories. The major eligibility criteria is based on whether you have lived in the UK for 5 years and so meet the following requirements;
- prove your identity
- show that you live in the UK, and
- declare that you have no serious criminal convictions
If you can’t meet the 5 years requirement, you can still apply for the ‘pre-settled status’ and apply it for settled status once you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years.
The ‘pre-settled status’ will let you live in the UK for a further five years with the same rights to work and access to public funds/services as of now.
Lawyers for the EU Settled Status in the UK
Contact our experienced team of EU immigration lawyers if you need any advice or help regarding your EU Settled Status application.
