Pre-Settled and Settled Status

Pre-Settled and Settled Status

The United Kingdom left the European Union on 31 January 2020 at 11 PM and entered a transition period, due to end on 31 December 2020. During this transition period, EU nationals can continue to enjoy their freedom of movement rights in the UK as they did before Brexit. The rights and status of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens living in the UK will remain the same until 30 June 2021. EU citizens and their family members who wish to remain in the UK after 30 June 2021 will need to apply for an immigration status to remain lawfully in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). EU citizens and their family members who can prove they have lived in the UK for five years or more will be granted settled status, and those living here for less than five years will be granted pre-settled status.

Eligibility requirements for EU settlement scheme

Rights & Benefits of EU Settlement scheme

EU nationals and their families granted any settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement scheme will be entitled to the below.

• Work in the UK
• Use the NHS for free as you do now
• Enrol in education or continue studying
• Access public funds such as benefits and pensions, if you’re eligible for them
• Travel in and out of the UK

In addition to this, the EU Settlement scheme also allows close family members (a spouse, civil partner, durable partner, dependent child or grandchild, and dependent parent or grandparent) living overseas to join their EU citizen sponsor in the UK after 31 December 2020, if the relationship existed on that date. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2021, it is highly recommended that everyone apply by 31 December 2020, to ensure they can show they were living in the UK before that date. The application is free of charge and the applicants can download the EU Exit: ID Document check application to start the ID verification process and then submit the supporting documents by online or post.

How can we assist?

If you are unable to make an application for the EU Settlement Scheme or you are unsure if you qualify, City Legal can offer you full assistance through face-to-face consultation, evaluation of supporting documents and full representation in the submission of your application. We can also provide expert advice to those individuals who meet the criteria but have been subject to criminal convictions or unable to prove their continuous residence for the grant of EUSS. We are a multi award winning law firm and pride ourselves in being approachable, innovative and always going that extra mile to make sure our clients receive the individual attention they deserve. Our Immigration team maintains a high reputation and is committed to provide clear, transparent and reliable advice to our clients.