EU Settlement Scheme Settled Status EU Nationals living in the UK

UK Visas and Immigration
Read Time 4 Minutes, 20 Seconds

EU Settlement Scheme – Brexit – Pre –: Settled and Settled status – EU Nationals and their Families living in the UK – 

This is the EU Settlement Scheme for EU Nationals and their Families as we approach Brexit!  What you need to know and what you need to do will depend on your particular situation.  This EU Settlement Scheme is for those who wish to continue to live in the UK after Brexit.

The Scheme is open for some EU Nationals and their families but not open for everyone yet.  The EU Settlement Scheme will be fully opened by the 30 March 2019. The confusion surrounds whether the UK leaves the EU with a deal or without a deal.  As we draw closer to the 29 March 2019 more should be revealed. 

After the 30 March 2019 there will be no fee to pay.  At the moment there is still a fee.

Which Category do you belong to?

For those EU Nationals and family members that have applied for British nationality or a British passport then you do not need to do anything.

For EU nationals and family members who have Indefinite leave to remain again you will not need to do anything.  If you have the old visa style stamp in your passport you can apply for a new biometric card. 

For EU nationals and family members who have a permanent residence card, you will have to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme for Settled Status.

For EU nationals and family members who have a 5 years residence card or for those who do not hold any residence cards or permits, you will need to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme for Settled status or Pre – Settled status.

What is Settled Status?

The EU Settlement Scheme uses the words Settled Status and Pre-Settled Status.  But what does that really mean?

To put it simply, this is when you have lived in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years.  There are a few exceptions so if you have gaps or travelled out of the UK for a length of time, check or get some advice.

What is Pre- settled Status?

This is when you have been living in the UK for less than 5 years continuously.

What do you need to do for the EU Settlement Scheme ?

Before you go ahead and apply have the following documents ready.

  • Your valid passport
  • Any EU residence cards or permits you hold
  • If you have a biometric residence card
  • Have your national insurance number ready
  • Be prepared to take a photograph of yourself

It is also useful to have the following documents in case they are required:

  • Marriage certificate
  • Birth certificates for children
  • Council Tax Bills
  • Recent bank statements
  • Recent pay slips
  • Recent medical letters
  • Recent educational letters

What happens?

Your documents are scanned by your phone, so an android phone or you will need to post your documents. If you are applying after 30 March 2019 you will also be able to use other devices as such as a laptop.  It is only before 29 March 2019 that you will need an android phone.  The Home Office have centres where you can book an appointment to have your documents scanned but there is likely to be a fee for this.  This is useful if you would prefer to hold onto your documents. You will also be asked to take a photo of yourself during the process.

The Result

Not everyone will receive a document about their status, but the Home Office will send you a link as to whether you have been successful and whether you were given Settled or Pre- Settled Status. If you are unsuccessful you may want the Home Office to review your application or you can apply again before the deadline 30 June 2021.

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