EU Settlement Scheme Settled Status
Your future in the UK starts here. Our legal experts simplify the immigration process, ensuring a smooth transition.
What is the EU Settlement Scheme?
The EU Settlement Scheme is a UK government initiative designed to protect the rights of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens and their family members who were living in the UK by 31 December 2020. It provides them with immigration status so they can continue to live, work, and study in the UK after Brexit.
Through the scheme, individuals are granted either:
Settled status (equivalent to indefinite leave to remain), or
Pre-settled status (limited leave to remain), depending on how long they have resided in the UK.
Applicants must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme in order to stay in the UK legally. The Home Office is responsible for processing these applications and issuing decisions.
Who is the EU Settlement Scheme For?
You may be eligible for settled status or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme if:
The scheme also applies to:
Even if you missed the original scheme deadline of 30 June 2021, you may still be able to apply by showing reasonable grounds through a late EU Settlement Scheme application.
What is the Application to the EU Settlement Process Like?
The EU Settlement Scheme application is free and made directly through the UK Home Office. Most applications are submitted online, but paper forms may be available for complex cases.
Step-by-step EU Settlement Scheme Application
Create a UK Visas and Immigration account
You’ll need to provide a valid email address and create a secure account.Confirm your identity
You can do this by uploading your passport or national ID card via the official EU Exit: ID Document Check app, or by visiting a UK visa centre.Provide proof of residence
Upload documents showing continuous residence in the UK, such as bank statements, council tax bills, employment records, or NHS letters.Submit your application
Complete the application to the EU Settlement Scheme, including details about your immigration history and family relationships.Wait for a decision from the Home Office
Most applications are decided within a few weeks, but it may take longer depending on case complexity.
There is no application fee for an EU Settlement Scheme application.
What Are the Requirements?
The requirements of the EU Settlement Scheme depend on your personal circumstances and how long you’ve been resident in the UK. Check what you need to apply below:
1. Settled Status
You may be eligible for settled status if:
You must still be living in the UK when you apply, or apply from outside the UK if covered by special routes.
2. Pre-Settled Status
You may be granted pre-settled status if:
Once you have completed 5 years, you can convert your pre-settled status to settled status.
The Home Office is also moving toward automatically converting eligible pre-settled status holders to settled status, to enable more individuals to remain in the UK without disruption.
Key Benefits of the EU Settlement Scheme
Obtaining either settled or pre-settled status provides many rights in the UK, including:
You can stay in the UK permanently with settled status and remain for up to 5 years abroad without losing your rights.
Why Choose Bekenbey?
At Bekenbey, we understand the complexity of immigration law and the Home Office’s evolving rules on settled and pre-settled status.
We offer:
Support with late EU Settlement Scheme applications
Help converting from pre-settled status to settled status
Guidance on residence in the UK and proving continuous qualifying periods
Assistance with family member of an EU citizen cases
Updates on EU Settlement Scheme deadlines and late applications
Advice for Swiss citizens and their family members
Representation for refusals or appeals under the scheme
We stay up to date with all changes to the EU Settlement Scheme from inside or outside the UK, including conversion to settled status for pre-settled status holders.
Apply for Settled or Pre-Settled Status Today with Bekenbey
If you are living in the UK, or are a family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you may be eligible to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme.
You must have:
Started living in the UK by 31 December 2020
A relationship with an EU citizen or qualifying family member
Proof of continuous residence in the UK
Access to documents to support your status application
If you already hold pre-settled status, and your 5-year period is coming to an end, it’s important to apply for settled status on time. The Home Office does not charge for this update.
Let Bekenbey assist you in:
Making a successful application to the EU Settlement Scheme
Understanding your status under the EU Settlement Scheme
Preparing documents for a late application
Confirming your rights in the UK
Ensuring your pre-settled status holders to settled status conversion goes smoothly
Documents Needed
We’ve listed all the key documents required for your visa application to make your process as smooth as possible. Here are some common documents you may need to provide:
For late EU Settlement Scheme applications, additional documents explaining your reasons for delay are required, such as:
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Questions, Answered
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