EU Settlement Scheme
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) launched on 30 March 2019.
This new scheme will enable EU, EEA or Swiss citizens and their family members to continue living and working in the UK after it leaves the EU. The scheme allows those here before 31 December 2020 (in a deal scenario) to apply for their new immigration status.
Application process
It’s free to apply to the scheme. Applicants only need to complete three key steps:
- Provide proof of identity and nationality with an EEA passport or identity card, or a non-EEA passport or biometric residence document. Applicants will also need to provide a digital photo of their face.
- Provide proof of residence. Applicants who have been resident in the UK for five continuous years or more will be eligible for settled status. Applicants who have been a resident for less than five continuous years will usually be eligible for pre-settled
- Complete the criminality check by declaring any criminal convictions.
Applicants can verify their identity themselves using the EU Exit: ID Document Check app.
More information about providing evidence can be found here on Gov.uk.
What status will be issued?
Successful applicants to the Scheme will be able to continue living and working in the UK after 31 December 2020.
Applicants will be issued either:
Pre-settled status
If an applicant is granted pre-settled status (also known as limited leave to remain or enter) this means they can stay in the UK for a period of five years. This will allow them to remain in the UK until they are eligible for settled status, generally once they have lived continuously in the UK for five years.
Settled status
If an applicant is granted settled status (also known as indefinite leave to remain or enter) this means there is no time limit on how long they can stay in the UK.
Successful applicants will get digital proof of their status through an online service.
More information about settled and pre-settled status, including associated rights, can be found here on GOV.UK.
Support available:
- Translated communication materials and EU Settlement Scheme guidance is available on GOV.UK. Guidance has been translated into 26 EEA languages and Welsh.
The Home Office has created a new Settlement Resolution Centre to resolve telephone, email and online queries.
Applicants can contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre helpline if they need help or information about their EU Settlement Scheme application.
From inside the UK: 0300 123 7379
From outside the UK: +44 (0)203 080 0010
Or applicants can use the online contact form.
- An assisted digital service is available for those that do not have the appropriate skills or confidence to complete the online application. Support can be provided over the phone, at a local centre or at home with a trained tutor. Visit GOV.UK for information on assisted digital.
- The Home Office has opened 50 locations nationwide, where applicants can have their passports scanned and verified. Visit GOV.UK for information about this service.
- The Home Office has up to £9million of grant funding to be awarded in the financial year 2019/20 to voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations. The awarded VCS organisations will be funded and supported by the Home Office to deliver practical assistance to vulnerable or at-risk EU citizens and their family members applying to the EU Settlement Scheme. Visit GOV.UK for the list of organisations.
There is also a wealth of information including videos, leaflets, posters and factsheets available on the Government website.
The Home Office will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders to provide further communications and produce additional guidance for care providers in regard to adults in care accessing the EU Settlement Scheme.
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