EU Settlement Scheme Settled Status Guidance
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) supports EU, EEA, and Swiss residents in the UK post-Brexit. It ensures their right to live and work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, having a settled status is essential for their stability and security. This article will highlight the process of getting the EU settlement scheme settled status and its significance.
What is the EU Settlement Scheme?
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) is a program set up by the UK government. It was to protect the rights of people from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland living in the UK before Brexit. Brexit is the name for the UK’s exit from the EU on January 31, 2020.
Before Brexit, EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens could live and work in the UK without special permission. After Brexit, these rights were no longer guaranteed. So, the UK government set the EUSS to provide a way to secure their rights. The EUSS aims to ensure these citizens and their families can continue residency in the UK.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the EUSS, one must fall into one of these categories:
- EU Citizens: These are people from the countries that are part of the European Union.
- EEA Citizens: This includes people from EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
- Swiss Citizens: People from Switzerland are also included.
- Family Members: Family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens can also apply. This includes spouses, unmarried partners, dependent children or grandchildren, parents, and grandparents.
Meeting the Application Deadlines
It is very important to apply to the EUSS before the deadline. The main deadline to apply was June 30, 2021. However, if you missed this date, you might still be able to apply if you have a good reason for being late.
Some good reasons could include serious illness, being a victim of domestic violence, or having other special circumstances that made it hard for you to apply on time.
Difference Between Settled and Pre-Settled Status
Upon your application to the EUSS, you will get either pre-settled or settled status. Both statuses allow you to live and work in the UK, but they differ.
Settled status means you have lived in the UK for a long time. The time duration is usually at least five years. If you have a settled status, you can stay in the UK as long as you want.
In comparison, pre-settled status applies to people who have not lived in the UK long enough to get settled status. If you have a Pre-settled Status, you can stay in the UK for five years from when you get this status.
For convenience, here is a detailed table comparing these two statuses:
Detailed Comparison Table
| Criteria | Settled Status | Pre-Settled Status |
| Residency Duration | A minimum of five years living in the UK | Less than five years of residence in the UK |
| Application Process | Provide proof of identity and five years’ residence | Provide proof of identity and current residence |
| Rights | Work, study, access the National Health Service (NHS) for free, travel in and out, and public services | Work, study, access NHS, travel in and out, and public services |
| Validity Period | Indefinite (no time limit on staying in the UK) | Valid for 5 years (must apply for Settled Status after 5 years) |
How to Apply for Settled Status
Applying for settled status may seem complicated, but you can do it by following some simple steps. Here’s a detailed, easy-to-follow guide to help you through the process.
Step 1. Check Eligibility
First, make sure you are eligible for settled status. The first requirement is to live in the UK for at least five continuous years. There are other conditions and exceptions, including serious illness, childbirth, study, or work postings abroad.
Additionally, you have to provide documents proving your identity and your residence in the UK.
Step 2. Prepare Documents
Gather all the necessary documents for identity proof. For example, a valid passport or your national identity card. Also, prepare the residence evidence documents that show you have lived in the UK for five years.
Step 3. Submit Application
You can submit your application by scanning your documents or sending them by post:
Through the ‘EU Exit ID Document Check’ App: Go to the UK government’s official website and complete the online application form. You will need to create an account, provide personal details, and upload your documents.
By Post: Send your document in the mail. Then, upload your photo (of your face) using the online application form.
Key Deadlines and Important Dates
The main deadline for applying was June 30, 2021. However, if you missed this deadline, you might still be able to apply if you have a good reason for being late. Reasons might include serious illness, being a victim of domestic violence, or other exceptional circumstances.
If you hold Pre-settled status, you must apply for settled status before it expires. The time is five years from the date you received it.
Documentation and Evidence Required
As mentioned, you must prove your identity When applying for settled status. This might sound a lot, but you just need proper documents. These documents help show that you meet the requirements to stay in the UK.
List of Acceptable Documents for Proving Residency
Some of the acceptable documents include:
- Utility Bills: These are bills for services like electricity, gas, and water. They should have your name and address on them.
- Bank Statements: These are your bank’s monthly records showing your transactions.
- Employment Records: These can include payslips, a letter from your employer, or your P60 or P45 tax documents.
- Rental Agreements: These are contracts between you and your landlord showing where and how long you have lived there.
You don’t need to provide all of these documents. Usually, a few pieces of evidence covering the entire period will be enough.
Using a National Insurance Number for Automatic Checks
If you have a National Insurance (NI) number, the UK government can often check your residency automatically. Here’s how it works:
- Automatic Check: When you enter your NI number in the application, the system checks your tax and benefits records. If the records show you have lived in the UK for five years, you won’t need to provide as many additional documents.
- Quick and Easy: This automatic check can make the process faster and simpler for you.
What to Do if the Automatic Check Fails
Sometimes, the automatic check using your National Insurance number might not confirm your residency. If this happens, you need to provide more documents. Here’s what you should do:
- Gather Additional Documents: Collect other documents like utility bills, bank statements, employment records, and rental agreements.
- Submit These Documents Manually: Upload these documents through the online application system.
If you have no required documents or trouble finding them, contact the EUSS Resolution Centre for help. They can guide you on what to do next.
Switching from Pre-Settled to Settled Status
If you hold pre-settled status, you can apply to switch to the settled one. But you can apply for it only after living in the UK for five years. Before doing so, check the criteria, application process, etc. well.
Criteria for Switching from Pre-Settled to Settled Status
To switch status from Pre-settled to settled, you must meet the following criteria:
- Continuous residency, as mentioned in the earlier section.
- Have a valid passport or NID card.
- Have proof of residency.
Timeline and Continuous Residence Requirements
After completing the required time in the UK, You’ll be able to apply for switching status. So, it’s important to pay attention to the timeline. The five-year period starts when you begin living in the UK. It’s not the day you received Pre-settled Status.
For example, let’s say you moved to the UK on March 2, 2019. Then, you got your Pre-settled Status on January 15, 2021. In that case, you can apply for settled Status on March 2, 2024.
As you can see, it requires continuous residency. You may lose eligibility if you spent more than six months outside the UK within one year during this timeline.
Detailed Application Process for Switching Status
The process remains the same as applying for settled status, with some additional steps.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you have lived in the UK for five continuous years. Confirm that you haven’t spent more than six months outside the UK in any 12-month period.
2. Gather Your Documents
Collect documents that prove your identity, such as a valid passport or national identity card. Also, provide documents proving your continuous residence. If your Pre-settled Status is based on a family relationship, gather evidence of that relationship.
3. Update Your UKVI Account
If your identity document has changed since you applied for Pre-Settled Status, update your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account with the new details.
4. Submit Your Application
Visit the official UK government website to start your application. Complete it online or send a post.
What Happens Next?
Once you submit your application, the next thing to do is wait. If you get settled, your stay in the UK is entirely up to you. You can apply for British citizenship after having settled status for 12 months.
However, you will keep your Pre-settled status if you do not qualify for settled status. It’s until you meet the continuous residence requirement again. You can reapply, then.
Benefits of Settled Status
Apparently, getting the Settled status in the UK has many benefits. It benefits you and your families who wish to remain in the UK for the long term. For instance, you’ll have the right to live and work indefinitely in the UK.
Moreover, you’ll have access to public funds, healthcare, and other public services. You’ll also have the right to apply for British citizenship.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While applying, some users may face difficulties with the app or online submission. So, make sure your device meets the app’s requirements and has a stable internet connection.
Additionally, you may have problems with biometric residence cards. You can contact the EU Settlement Scheme Resolution Centre for assistance in such cases.
What to Expect After Submission: Post-Application Steps
After submitting an application, you should know what happens next and how to manage your status. For example,
- Application Processing Times: It usually takes around 5 working days to a month to process the application, depending on the complexity.
- Receiving Decision and Status Proof: You will receive an email notification with the decision. If approved, your status will be updated, and you can view and prove your status online.
- Updating Status if Circumstances Change: If your circumstances change, such as changing your name or passport, you must update your details online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Settled Status Permanent Residence?
Settled Status is similar to permanent residence but is specific to the EUSS. It allows you to live in the UK indefinitely.
How Long Does Settled Status Last?
Settled Status lasts indefinitely, but if you leave the UK for more than five consecutive years, you may lose this status.
What Does Settled Status Under the EU Settlement Scheme Mean?
It means you have the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely and access public services.
Can I Apply for Settled Status if I Missed the Deadline?
Yes, you can still apply if you have reasonable grounds for missing the deadline.
What Happens if My Application is Refused?
If your application is refused, you can request a review or appeal the decision. Apply for a review only if you believe it was incorrect.
How Does Settled Status Affect My Family Members?
Your family members can apply to the EUSS based on their relationship with you. However, they also have to meet the eligibility criteria.
How Long Can You Stay Outside the UK with Settled Status?
With EUSS settled status, you can stay for up to five consecutive years outside the UK. That’s, too, without losing your Status.
How Do You Prove You Have Settled Status?
You can prove your settled status online using the government’s view and prove your immigration status service.
Conclusion
Getting the EU settlement scheme settled status is essential for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. So, if you still need to apply, it’s important to do so as soon as possible. Use the resources available to ensure a smooth application process and safeguard your future in the UK.
