On January 8, 2026, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) announced important updates to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) in the following areas:
- Keeping UKVI account details up to date
- Changes to the residence requirement for people applying for settled status
- Changes to the process for automatically granting settled status
Keeping UKVI account details up to date
EUSS status holders must ensure that their UKVI account details are up to date, as additional checks will be undertaken to confirm UK immigration status when travelling. Failure to update a UKVI account with the required information, including passport details, will result in disruption while traveling to or from the UK. For example, airline carriers may deny boarding to a traveler whose account is not up to date. Individuals with pre-settled status may also experience problems applying for settled status if their identity document is not up to date. Account details can be updated here.
Changes to settled status residence requirements
UKVI has simplified the residence requirements that pre-settled status holders must meet to obtain settled status. As such, settled status can now be applied for if the applicant:
- Has pre-settled status and been resident in the UK for at least 30 months (2.5 years) in the five years before applying for settled status; and
- Arrived in the UK at least five years earlier.
Applicants are not required to explain any time spent outside the UK, as long as they meet the new 30-month rule.
Applicants who were previously refused settled status or were granted leave under another immigration route may now qualify if they still hold pre-settled status and meet the new requirements.
Pre-settled status will have lapsed for applicants who have spent more than two continuous years outside the UK before May 21, 2024. UKVI is working on changes to help these individuals qualify if they meet the new requirements and will provide an update soon.
Automated grants of settled status
UKVI has been automatically converting pre-settled status holders to settled status where possible. This is done by using UK tax and benefit records. Applicants are sent an email when they become eligible. Qualifications for this are as follows:
- EEA or Swiss citizens who were resident in the UK by 23:00 on December 31, 2020; and
- UK tax and benefit records show they lived in the UK for five years with total absences of less than six months in any 12-month period. From early 2026, this will be updated to reflect the new 30-month rule.
Applicants will be required to make a normal EU settled status application if they:
- Have not paid UK tax or received benefits for at least 30 months in the last five years;
- Are a family member who is not from the EEA or Switzerland;
- Are joining a family member who began residence in the UK after December 31, 2020;
- Are under 18 years of age;
- Have other eligibility requirements (e.g. derivative rights).
Please reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
