The EU Settlement Scheme
The EU Settlement Scheme, which allows EU citizens to continue living in the UK following Brexit, opened on 30th March and applications can be made until 30 June 2021.
Successful applicants will be granted residency in the UK.
EU citizens or family members of EU citizens will need to apply to stay in the UK after 30 June 2021.
This is the case for applicants who fit any of these criteria:
- Born in the UK but is not a British citizen
- Married to a British citizen and from the EU.
However, citizens do not need to apply if:
- They are Irish citizens – however, family members from outside either the UK or Ireland will still need to apply
- They have indefinite leave to enter the UK
- They have indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
There will be no charge to apply for the scheme and the government has promised support for applicants on the phone and in person.
In order to apply the following will be required:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residence in the UK, unless applicant has a valid permanent residence document, or valid indefinite leave to remain in or enter the UK
- Proof of relationship to a family member from the EU living in the UK, if applicant is from outside the EU.
Successful applicants will be issued with either settled or pre-settled status.
Settled is for EU citizens that have been a resident of the UK for at least the last five years.
Pre-settled is for EU citizens that have been a resident in the UK for less that five years, they will be allowed to stay in the UK for a further five years and will need to apply again to get settled status to stay longer.
Should an application be unsuccessful, the applicant may reapply as many times as they like before 30 June 2021.