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Secure Your Future: The EU Settlement Scheme Unveiled

  • Writer: Gaurav Nair
    Gaurav Nair
  • Feb 29, 2024
  • 4 min read

Citizens from EEA and non-EU countries were issued a residence card, which allowed them to live, study, and work in the UK. The rules have changed, and citizens now have to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme. Here is an insight into all the details of the EU Settlement Scheme.


Are the UK EEA Residence Cards Still Valid?



EEA (European Economic Area) nationals cannot rely on their national identity card or EEA passport. They must apply for pre-settled status, settled status, or a visa under the points-based immigration system. They can use their residence card if they have a settled or a pre-settled status or if they have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme before 30 June 2021.


What is the EU Settlement Scheme?


Applying for the EUSS (European Union Settlement Scheme) is a must if you are a citizen of the European Union (EU) and EEA, if you and your family wish to remain in the UK after 31 December 2020.


Eligibility Criteria for the EU Settlement Scheme


  1. By 31 December 2020, applicants from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein countries and residing in the UK are eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme. Applicants who have a pre-settled status and a settled status are permitted to remain in the UK.

  2. The EU Settlement Scheme protects the relatives of EU citizens. After 31 December 2020, you will be permitted to go to the UK with your immediate family members, which includes your spouse, unmarried partners, civil partners, grandparents, dependent children, dependent parents, and grandparents who are not residents of the UK. They will have to provide proof of their relationship with the applicant.

Pre-Settled status


If a citizen has lived in the UK for less than five years, you are eligible for a pre-settled status.


Settled Status


If a citizen has lived in the UK for five or more years, you are eligible for a settled status.

A person with a pre-settled status can apply for a settled status after completing five years of residence in the UK.


Rights of a Settled and Pre-Settled Status Citizen


  1. Citizens with settled status can spend five years continuously out of the UK without losing their settled status.

  2. Citizens with a pre-settled status can spend two years continuously out of the UK without losing their pre-settled status.

  3. Settled and pre-settled status citizens have access to pensions, healthcare, and other benefits in the UK.

  4. With a settled status, citizens can apply for citizenship after having a settled status for twelve months.

  5. Close family members living overseas will be allowed to visit the UK, provided the relationship with the UK citizen continues to exist before 31 December 2020. Children in future are also protected.

EU Settlement Scheme Application Process


The EU settlement scheme application process can be accessed online. Applicants need to go to the official website and fill out the application form. At the time of application, applicants need to provide proof of -

  1. Your identity - includes a recent digital photo of your face (similar to the UK visa photo requirements), an EU National ID Card, and a valid biometric passport.

  2. Your residence in the UK - You can provide your National Insurance number (if any). This will determine whether you are eligible for a settled or pre-settled status.

  3. Your relationship with the EU citizen living in the UK (if you are from outside the UK)

  4. Non-EU citizens must have a biometric residence card to use the app.

  5. Submit your application.

  6. Applicants can check for their UK visa status online. If your application is successful, you will be given either a settled or a pre-settled status.


Evidence that covers a long period:


  1. P60

  2. Annual bank statements

  3. A valid permanent residence

  4. Council tax bill

  5. Rental agreement and evidence of payment

  6. Degree certificate or yearly transcript

  7. Student status letter


Evidence that covers a short period:


  1. Monthly bank statements

  2. Utility bill

  3. Payslips

  4. Letter from your GP


The government has released a step-by-step comprehensive guide on how to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme. It includes information on how to obtain Assisted Digital help and where to find the closest place that scans ID documents.


The last date to apply for the EUSS was 30 June 2021. If you missed the date, you can apply under reasonable grounds, like -

  1. serious medical condition

  2. Abusive relationship

  3. Physical or Mental capacity

  4. Children under care leavers

  5. other compelling reasons


Other Ways You Qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme


Foreign nationals can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme permit if they qualify under the -

Surinder Singh Application


The Surinder Singh Application applies to individuals who have a British family member. You are eligible if you have lived with your family members in Norway, Switzerland, EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and returned to the UK with them by 31 December 2020.


Retained Rights of Residence


You can apply under the Retained Rights of Residence if you used to have a family member from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein and living in the UK by 31 December 2020.


EU Settlement Scheme Costs


The Prime Minister declared on 22 January 2024 that there would be no application fees under the EU Settlement Scheme.


Conclusion

It is important to update your details in case it has changed from the initial details provided at the time you applied. The EU Settlement Scheme underwent modifications as of September 2023. Pre-settled status holders are eligible for a two-year extension (till 2025) of their visa to stay in the UK.


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