Applying for pre-settled and settled status in England

 

The deadline for most individuals to apply for pre-settled or settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021.

 

After this deadline, you can only apply if:

 

• You have a valid reason for a late application - check eligibility for a late application

• You're upgrading from pre-settled to settled status

• You're applying to join a family member in the UK - learn more about family joining

• You hold a valid work, study, or family visa

Most applications must be submitted online through the EU Settlement Scheme. However, there are exceptions where a paper form is required.

 

You can apply from outside the UK as well.

 

Your family members might still qualify to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme even if they're not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.

 

They may be eligible if:

 

• You hold pre-settled or settled status.

• Your relationship with them commenced by 31 December 2020, except for Swiss citizens.

• Collect all the necessary documents for your application, including:

  • An identity document such as your passport, national identity card, biometric residence card, or permit.

  • A digital photo, which you can take using your smartphone during the application process.

  • Your National Insurance number or evidence of your residency duration in the UK.

  • A mobile phone number.

  • An email address.

  • Proof of your relationship if you're applying for a child or another family member. Explore the acceptable evidence for this purpose.

 

Demonstrating your residency duration in the UK is typically required when applying for settled or pre-settled status.

 

The simplest method is to provide your national insurance number when applying. Alternatively, you'll need to submit documents if you don't provide your National Insurance number.

 

If there are periods when you were not employed or resided outside the UK, your National Insurance record may have gaps. In such cases, you may need to furnish documents to account for those gaps.

 

You don't need to prove how long you've lived in the UK if you have a 'permanent residence document', 'indefinite leave to remain' or 'indefinite leave to enter.'

 

Determine your evidence requirements based on your residency circumstances:

 

For a late application for pre-settled status, show that you:

 

• resided in the UK for at least one day on or before December 31, 2020

• haven't been outside the UK for more than six months since December 31, 2020

• To obtain settled status, provide evidence for six months within each twelve-month period for five consecutive years. The five-year period can be flexible, but continuous residence in the UK must be demonstrated without leaving for five years in a row.

 

Exceptions apply if you were:

 

• giving birth, seriously ill, studying, training, or on employer-assigned work abroad for up to 12 months

• on compulsory military service for any duration

• serving in the UK armed forces or a family member of a service member

• employed by the UK, Scottish, or Welsh governments, Northern Ireland executive, or the British Council

• a family member of someone employed by these entities

 

Why Choose Visas 24/7?

 

Benefit from over 23 years of expertise with our dedicated team of lawyers. We provide personalised guidance throughout your application journey, ensuring all necessary documentation is in order and your application package is meticulously prepared. With us, you'll experience seamless communication as we handle all interactions with the Home Office, keeping you informed at every step.