EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status)

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) allows EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, as well as their family members, to continue living, working, and studying in the UK after Brexit. Those who have lived in the UK for a sufficient amount of time may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), known under EUSS as settled status. This status grants permanent residence in the UK, with no time restrictions, and is a key step toward British citizenship.

Who Can Under the EU Settlement Scheme?

The EU Settlement Scheme is open to:

• EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens.
• Non-EU family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens, including spouses, children, and dependent relatives.
• Family members of British citizens who lived in the EU before 31 December 2020 and have since returned to the UK (Surinder Singh route).

Applicants to the EUSS can be granted either settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain) or pre-settled status (limited leave to remain).

Settled status is equivalent to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and is granted to those who have lived in the UK continuously for 5 years or more by the 31 December 2020 cut-off date. This status allows you to remain in the UK permanently, with access to work, healthcare, education, and public services.

If you have lived in the UK for less than 5 years by 31 December 2020, you can apply for pre-settled status, which is a form of limited leave to remain. Pre-settled status allows you to stay in the UK for 5 years from the date it is granted, and once you have reached 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for settled status (ILR).

Switch to Settled Status from Pre-settled Status

To be eligible for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Continuous Residence: You must have lived in the UK for 5 continuous years, and you have not been outside the UK for more than 6 months in any 12-month period. Exceptions for a single absence of up to 12 months are provided for important reasons such as pregnancy, childbirth, serious illness, study, vocational training, an overseas work posting or because of Covid-19.
2. Residence before 31 December 2020: You must have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020, the end of the Brexit transition period. The deadline to apply was 30 June 2021. You can still apply now if you have reasonable grounds for applying after the deadline (for example, if you have a serious medical condition which prevented you from applying or if you have been in an abusive or controlling relationship).
3. No Serious Criminal Convictions: Your application for settled status may be refused if you have a serious criminal conviction or are deemed a threat to public safety or national security. Minor offences are unlikely to affect your application.

Family Members and Settled Status

Family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens can also apply for settled status under the EUSS, provided they meet the following conditions:

• They are a direct family member, such as a spouse, civil partner, child, or dependent parent.
• They were living in the UK by 31 December 2020.
• They continue to reside in the UK, either with the main applicant or independently.

Family members may apply for pre-settled or settled status depending on their length of residence in the UK.

Passportia will:

While the EUSS application process is designed to be simple, there can be complications with proving residence, navigating absences, or managing family applications. Passportia offers expert support to ensure a smooth and successful application for settled status (ILR).

Our services include:

• Eligibility assessment: We will assess your situation to confirm whether you qualify for settled or pre-settled status.
• Document preparation: We will assist you in gathering and preparing the necessary evidence, including proof of identity, residence, and any exceptional circumstances.
• Application submission: Our team will ensure your EUSS application is accurately completed and submitted on time.
• Ongoing support: We will provide expert advice throughout the process, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly and effectively.

To enquire about a quotation - please fill in the form below or call a number on the right. No-win no fee arrangements may be available in certain circumstances. We look forward to hearing from you.

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