What is the EU Settlement Scheme
Helping EU, EEA and Swiss citizens secure their right to live and work in the UK
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) protects the rights of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, and their family members, to live, work and study in the UK after Brexit. Depending on how long you have lived in the UK, you can obtain either settled status or pre-settled status.
At Immigration Solicitors UK, we help individuals and families make, update, or challenge their EU Settlement Scheme applications with clear legal guidance and full document support.
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Helping EU, EEA and Swiss citizens secure their right to live and work in the UK
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) protects the rights of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, and their family members, to live, work and study in the UK after Brexit. Depending on how long you have lived in the UK, you can obtain either settled status or pre-settled status.
At Immigration Solicitors UK, we help individuals and families make, update, or challenge their EU Settlement Scheme applications with clear legal guidance and full document support.
About the EU Settlement Scheme
The EU Settlement Scheme was introduced when the UK left the European Union. It allows EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who were living in the UK before 31 December 2020 to confirm their lawful residence.
Two types of status
- Settled status – for people who have lived continuously in the UK for five years or more.
This gives you permanent residence, similar to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). - Pre-settled status – for those who started living in the UK before 31 December 2020 but have not yet reached five years’ residence.
This status lasts for five years and can later be upgraded to settled status.
Both statuses give you the right to:
- Live and work in the UK
- Use NHS services
- Study and access education
- Apply for public funds if eligible
Most applications had to be submitted by 30 June 2021, but late applications may still be accepted where there are valid reasons for the delay.
Pre-settled status is a temporary right to stay in the UK for up to five years. During this time, you must keep living in the UK to qualify for settled status later.
Key points
- You must have arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020.
- You can work, study and access healthcare.
- You must not spend more than six months outside the UK in any 12-month period (unless you have an accepted reason, such as illness, pregnancy or study).
- Once you reach five continuous years of residence, you should apply for settled status before your pre-settled status expires.
In August 2023, the Home Office confirmed that most pre-settled statuses would be automatically extended by two years, but you must still apply for settled status when eligible.
What Is Settled Status?
Settled status gives you permanent residence rights in the UK. You can live, work, and study without any time limits and travel in and out of the UK freely.
After holding settled status for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.
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Our solicitors support both EU citizens and their family members through every step of the EU Settlement Scheme. We can:
- Confirm your eligibility for settled or pre-settled status
- Prepare and submit your online application
- Gather and verify proof of residence and identity
- Handle late applications or cases with missing evidence
- Assist family members with linked or dependent applications
- Advise on switching from pre-settled to settled status
We ensure that your application meets all Home Office requirements and is supported by strong evidence to reduce delays or refusals.
The most crucial difference is in the time of continuous residence in the UK of the persons. Settled status is permanent and is given to those who have been in the UK for at least five years. It is the Permanent Residence Status, which means you can stay forever without reapplying. Whereas pre-settled status is for a limited time—accorded to those with less than five years of stay—and upon the expiration of five years, it has to be changed into settled status for the stay to be permanent. Both confer the right to work, study, and use NHS services.
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To qualify under the EU Settlement Scheme, you must meet specific conditions.
Residence before 31 December 2020
You must show that you were living in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period.
Evidence can include:
- Tenancy agreements or council tax bills
- Payslips or employment contracts
- Utility bills or bank statements
- NHS or school letters
The Home Office usually accepts one dated document for each month of residence.
Identity verification
Applicants must prove their identity using a valid passport or national ID card and submit a digital photo through the Home Office online system.
Absences from the UK
You should not have been absent for more than six months in any 12-month period unless there are serious or exceptional reasons.
Late applications
Applications made after 30 June 2021 may still be accepted if you have reasonable grounds, such as:
- Serious illness
- Lack of awareness due to vulnerability or age
- Domestic abuse
- Digital access difficulties
Our legal team can prepare a clear explanation and evidence of your reasons for delay to strengthen your case.
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When applying, you should provide:
- Valid passport or national ID card
- Proof of residence in the UK before 31 December 2020
- National Insurance records or payslips
- Tenancy or council tax statements
- Utility bills or official correspondence
- NHS or school records (if relevant)
We check that your documents are consistent, properly dated, and meet Home Office standards.
Non-EU family members of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens may also apply if the relationship existed before 31 December 2020. Eligible relatives include:
- Spouses and civil partners
- Children under 21 (or dependent adult children)
- Dependent parents or grandparents
- Durable partners (long-term unmarried partners)
Proof of both the relationship and UK residence is required.
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Once you have completed five years of continuous residence, you can apply to convert your pre-settled status to settled status.
You do not need to wait for your pre-settled status to expire.
You must show:
- Five years of residence without long absences
- Updated proof of residence (employment, tenancy, or utility records)
Applications are free and submitted online. We can help you prepare and check your evidence to ensure a smooth transition.
- Typical timeframe: 5 working days – 1 month
- Complex cases: Up to several months (for example, where documents or relationships need verification)
We help minimise delays by ensuring your application is complete from the outset.
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You could lose your status if you:
- Spend too long outside the UK (over six months in a year for pre-settled; over five years for settled)
- Use false documents or make a fraudulent claim
- Commit serious criminal offences
ISUK helps clients prevent problems by tracking residence requirements and advising on maintaining eligibility.
There is no Home Office application fee for the EU Settlement Scheme.
ISUK offers fixed-fee legal assistance for document checks, late applications, or appeals, confirmed in writing before any work begins.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
Contact Immigration Solicitors UK
If you or your family need help with the EU Settlement Scheme, contact our immigration solicitors today.
We’ll help you understand your rights, prepare your application, and secure your status in the UK.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in the UK with pre-settled status?
Yes, pre-settled status allows you to live and work in the UK without restrictions.
Can I still apply after the deadline?
Yes, if you have reasonable grounds for missing it. Legal advice is recommended.
Does pre-settled status lead to British citizenship?
Yes. Once you gain settled status and hold it for 12 months, you may apply for British citizenship.
Can I travel outside the UK with pre-settled status?
Yes, but avoid long absences that could affect your eligibility for settled status.
Is pre-settled status permanent?
No. It lasts five years and must be upgraded to settled status.
Do I need a solicitor?
You can apply yourself, but legal support helps avoid mistakes and provides protection in complex or late applications.
