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The Impact of Exiting the EU

What is the EU Settlement Scheme? Who needs to apply for the scheme? How to apply Settled and Pre Settled Status Where to get support

EU, EEA and Swiss residents must apply to the EU settlement scheme in order to continue living in the UK after June 30th, 2021. The scheme is free to apply to and guidance is available in 26 European languages.

After application you will be granted either settled or pre-settled status. The outcome of your application will depend on how long you have been living in the UK. You will be able to continue using the NHS for free, enrol in or continue with education, as well as having access to benefits and pensions.

If you were born in the UK but are not a British citizen, you will have to apply for the EU settlement scheme. Dual citizens do not need to apply.

You do not need to apply if you have indefinite leave to remain.

You do not need to apply if you are a frontier worker. This means that if you live in one country but frequently travel to the UK for work, you do not need to apply. Under EU law, you must return to your own country at least once a week to keep this legal status.

You can apply to the EU settlement scheme at https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status

The following evidence / documents are needed for your application:

  • Proof of identity and residence in the UK (or valid indefinite leave to remain in or enter the UK).
  • Proof of identity – must show a valid passport or national identity card, along with a digital photo of your face.
  • Proof of continuous residence – national insurance number can be used for automated check of residence. Other documents will only be needed if there is not enough data to confirm five years of residence.
  • Criminal convictions – for those over 18, the Home Office will check you have not committed serious or repeated crimes – you will be asked to declare any convictions (you do not need to declare warnings / cautions or alternatives to prosecution such as fines).

If you have convictions – you may still be eligible for settled or pre-settled status, this will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Documents can be scanned on the ‘EU Exit: ID Document Check’ app or posted.

Settled status

You can be granted settled status if you lived in the UK before 31st December 2020 for a continuous 5-year period (‘continuous residence’). This means that for 5 years in a row, you must have been in the UK for at least 6 months in a 12-month period.

There are, however, some exceptions:

  • One period residing outside of the UK of up to 12 months for important reasons (e.g. study, serious illness, childbirth or overseas work posting)
  • Compulsory military service (any length)
  • Living abroad in armed forces, or as a family member or someone in the armed forces

Once granted settled status, you will be able to stay in the UK for as long as you wish. Any children you have after this will automatically be British citizens.

Pre-settled status

If you began living in the UK before 31st December 2020 but do NOT have 5 years of continuous residence, you will be granted pre-settled status. This status allows you stay in the UK for a further five years. If you later reach 5 years of continuous residence, you can then apply for settled status (this must be done before your pre-settled status expires).

You have the same rights in the UK with both settled and pre settled status.

Spending time outside of the UK

Settled status – you can spend up to 5 years in a row outside of the UK without losing status.

Pre-settled status – you can spend up to 2 years in a row outside of the UK without losing status. This will, however, take away from your 5-year continuous residence if you are planning on applying for settled status.

Statistics for East of England 

Since opening, there have been over 3.6 million applications submitted from across the UK. Of these, 3.3 million have been granted either settled or pre-settled status.

Between August 28th 2018 and March 31st 2020, there have been 298,020 applications processed within the East of England. Of these, 99% were granted either settled or pre-settled status.

  • 62% were granted settled status (UK average – 57.7%)
  • 38% were granted pre-settled status (UK average – 41.2%)

The following links offer a range of support services, advice and current statistics:

EU, EEA and Swiss residents must apply to the EU settlement scheme in order to continue living in the UK after June 30th, 2021. The scheme is free to apply to and guidance is available in 26 European languages.

After application you will be granted either settled or pre-settled status. The outcome of your application will depend on how long you have been living in the UK. You will be able to continue using the NHS for free, enrol in or continue with education, as well as having access to benefits and pensions.

If you were born in the UK but are not a British citizen, you will have to apply for the EU settlement scheme. Dual citizens do not need to apply.

You do not need to apply if you have indefinite leave to remain.

You do not need to apply if you are a frontier worker. This means that if you live in one country but frequently travel to the UK for work, you do not need to apply. Under EU law, you must return to your own country at least once a week to keep this legal status.

You can apply to the EU settlement scheme at https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status

The following evidence / documents are needed for your application:

  • Proof of identity and residence in the UK (or valid indefinite leave to remain in or enter the UK).
  • Proof of identity – must show a valid passport or national identity card, along with a digital photo of your face.
  • Proof of continuous residence – national insurance number can be used for automated check of residence. Other documents will only be needed if there is not enough data to confirm five years of residence.
  • Criminal convictions – for those over 18, the Home Office will check you have not committed serious or repeated crimes – you will be asked to declare any convictions (you do not need to declare warnings / cautions or alternatives to prosecution such as fines).

If you have convictions – you may still be eligible for settled or pre-settled status, this will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Documents can be scanned on the ‘EU Exit: ID Document Check’ app or posted.

Settled status

You can be granted settled status if you lived in the UK before 31st December 2020 for a continuous 5-year period (‘continuous residence’). This means that for 5 years in a row, you must have been in the UK for at least 6 months in a 12-month period.

There are, however, some exceptions:

  • One period residing outside of the UK of up to 12 months for important reasons (e.g. study, serious illness, childbirth or overseas work posting)
  • Compulsory military service (any length)
  • Living abroad in armed forces, or as a family member or someone in the armed forces

Once granted settled status, you will be able to stay in the UK for as long as you wish. Any children you have after this will automatically be British citizens.

Pre-settled status

If you began living in the UK before 31st December 2020 but do NOT have 5 years of continuous residence, you will be granted pre-settled status. This status allows you stay in the UK for a further five years. If you later reach 5 years of continuous residence, you can then apply for settled status (this must be done before your pre-settled status expires).

You have the same rights in the UK with both settled and pre settled status.

Spending time outside of the UK

Settled status – you can spend up to 5 years in a row outside of the UK without losing status.

Pre-settled status – you can spend up to 2 years in a row outside of the UK without losing status. This will, however, take away from your 5-year continuous residence if you are planning on applying for settled status.

Statistics for East of England 

Since opening, there have been over 3.6 million applications submitted from across the UK. Of these, 3.3 million have been granted either settled or pre-settled status.

Between August 28th 2018 and March 31st 2020, there have been 298,020 applications processed within the East of England. Of these, 99% were granted either settled or pre-settled status.

  • 62% were granted settled status (UK average – 57.7%)
  • 38% were granted pre-settled status (UK average – 41.2%)

The following links offer a range of support services, advice and current statistics: