If you’re an EU citizen, you and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.
If your application is successful, you’ll get either settled or pre-settled status.
When can I apply?
The EU Settlement Scheme is currently open.
The deadline by which you must have applied is 30th June 2021. There is a requirement that you must have started living in the UK by 31st December 2020 to be eligible to apply.
What status will I get?
If you successfully apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, you will be able to continue living and working in the UK after 30th June 2021. You will be granted either Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status.
Settled Status
You will be granted Settled Status if you have lived in the UK continuously for a period of 5 years. This is known as continuous residence. You must also not have left the UK for more than 5 years in a row since your residence here began.
If you are granted settled status, you can stay in the UK for as long as you want. You will also be eligible to apply for British Citizenship.
Pre-Settled Status
If you have not lived in the UK for 5 continuous years, you will get Pre-Settled Status. You must have started living in the UK by 31st December 2020 unless you are applying as a close family member of an EU or EEA citizen who was in the UK by that date.
You can apply to switch to Settled Status once you’ve had 5 years continuous residence. Do not wait for your current leave to expire before you do so.
If you will have 5 years continuous residence by 30 June 2021, you can choose to wait until you have 5 years’ residence to apply. This means that you’ll get settled status without having to apply for pre-settled status first if your application is successful.
If you will not reach 5 years continuous residence by 30 June 2021, you cannot wait until after this date to apply. You must apply for pre-settled status by 30 June 2021. You can then switch to settled status once you have 5 years’ continuous residence.
What rights will I have in the UK?
Some of your rights may vary depending on which status you are granted but you will have the following with either status – you’ll be able to:
- work in the UK.
- use the NHS for free, if you can at the moment.
- enrol in education or study in the UK.
- access public funds such as benefits and pensions, if you’re eligible for them.
- travel in and out of the UK.
What do I need to apply?
You will need proof of your identity and your residence in the UK.
Identity – you will need to provide a valid passport, a valid biometric residence permit or a valid biometric residence card. You will also need to provide a digital photo of your face.
Proof of continuous residence – To be eligible for settled status, you will need to have lived in the UK for at least 6 months in any 12-month period for 5 years in a row. Proof of this is required. If you do not have it, you may be granted Pre-Settled Status.
After you have applied
If your application is successful, a letter will be emailed to you confirming your settled or pre-settled status.
12 months after you have received settled status, you will be able to apply for British Citizenship.