The EU Settlement Scheme: EU Settled and Pre-Settled Status

EEA citizens who were resident in the UK before 1 January 2021, and who could demonstrate this, were able to make an application under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Holding settled or pre-settled status enables EEA citizens to continue to live, work and study in the UK. The general closing date for making applications was 30 June 2021 (other than in relation to certain family members).

Now that the general closing date for making an application is over, the Home Office will only consider late applications in certain circumstances.

Please contact our immigration team if you are an EEA citizen wishing to make a late application, or are a non-EEA family member who wishes to join a relative in the UK.

Settled status

EEA citizens and their qualifying family member(s) who have lived in the UK for a continuous period of five years may be able to apply for settled status, officially called Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), under the EU Settlement Scheme.

In order to be eligible for ILR, the applicant must have been resident in the UK for a continuous five-year period. They are not required to have worked in the UK, held comprehensive sickness insurance or otherwise have been a ‘qualified person’. Certain periods of absence from the UK will be discounted.

Pre-settled status

Whilst the general closing date for EEA citizens to make an application for pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may have passed, late applications may be accepted in certain cases.

In addition, qualifying family members may also be able to make applications.

Pre-settled status, also known as limited leave to remain, can be converted to ILR after five years.

Naturalisation as a British citizen

Those who have settled status/ILR can apply to naturalise as a British citizen after demonstrating that they have been free from immigration restrictions for 12 months. This is unless they are married to a British citizen, in which case they are eligible to apply to naturalise immediately.

You can find further information on this here.

Applications for EEA citizens: How we can help

We are experienced in advising EEA citizens and their family members on UK immigration options.

If you need legal advice and assistance, please call us or complete our enquiry form below.

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