Brexit: UK Deadline for EU Settlement Scheme Applications Approaching

April 30, 2021

The EU Settlement Scheme is designed to offer EU citizens and their eligible family members, living in the UK before the end of the transition period, the opportunity to protect their residence in the UK after the transition period has ended.

EU nationals residing in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 with an intention to remain in the UK, should apply for either settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

• Settled Status – EU nationals are eligible for Settled Status if they have lived in the UK for a continuous 5-year period which includes permitted gaps of up to six months in any 12-month period. ‘Settled Status’ is also referred to as ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’.
• Pre-Settled Status – EU nationals who do not have 5 years’ continuous residence when they apply will usually get Pre-Settled Status, with the condition that they have started living in the UK by 31 December 2020. They can then apply to change this to Settled Status once they have 5 years’ continuous residence. This must be done before their Pre-Settled status expires.

EU nationals usually need to prove how long they have lived in the UK when they apply for settled or pre-settled status. The easiest way to prove this is with the National Insurance number when they apply. If they don’t provide a National Insurance number, or have gaps in employment, the Home Office may request further documents.

The deadline to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme is 30 June 2021.

Those arriving in the UK for work purposes in 2021 will require a work visa under a new points-based system, replacing the previous Tier 2 system.

Our Advice

Individuals who may be affected are advised to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to the UK, please contact us.