Are you a non-UK citizen who has lived and worked in the United Kingdom for a while now or looking to make the UK your home for the foreseeable future? Then, you may want to apply for a settled or pre-settled status.
The UK government is committed to supporting EU citizens and their families to stay in the country after Brexit, which is why they introduced the EU Settlement Scheme The scheme enables EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, and their eligible family members to apply for either settled or pre-settled status.
This guide will take you through the process of applying for a settled or pre-settled status in the UK.
Understanding the Difference Between Settled and Pre-settled Status
Before you apply, you should be aware of the differences between settled and pre-settled status.
Settled Status: If you have been living in the UK continuously for a minimum of five years, you are eligible to apply for settled status This means there is no time limit on your stay in the UK You can come and go as you please and enjoy the same rights as UK citizens, including access to healthcare, education, and social benefits.
Pre-settled Status: If you have been living in the UK for less than five years, you are eligible to apply for pre-settled status This will allow you to stay in the UK for up to five years Once you reach the five-year threshold, you can apply for settled status.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme, you must meet the following criteria:
– You are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, and you were living in the UK before December 31, 2020.
– You are eligible if you are a family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, and you lived in the UK before December 31, 2020.
– You are eligible if you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen and started living in the UK after December 31, 2020, and you are one of the following:
– A student with a course starting in 2020 or later
– A cross-border worker
– Self-sufficient
– Relevant family member of someone in the UK with settled or pre-settled status
– Otherwise, you will need to meet some additional requirements.
You will need to provide evidence of your identity, nationality, and residency, depending on your situation You can use your passport or national identity card to confirm your identity You can provide evidence of residency using a range of documents, such as bills, bank statements, tenancy agreements, or letters from your employer.
Applying for Settled or Pre-settled Status
The application process for settled or pre-settled status is straightforward and can be done online.
You will need to create an account on the UK government’s EU Settlement Scheme website and complete the online application form The form will ask for your personal details, your nationality, and your residency situation.
You will also need to provide a photo of yourself and your relevant identity and residency documents.
Once you have completed your application, you will receive an email confirmation with a tracking number I want to apply for settled or pre-settled visa. You can use this number to check the status of your application online.
After your application has been processed, you will receive a letter from the Home Office confirming your status If you are granted pre-settled status, the letter will tell you when your status will expire You will need to apply for settled status before your pre-settled status expires.
If your application is unsuccessful, you have the right to appeal.
Conclusion
If you are a non-UK citizen who has been living in the UK and wants to stay here, you should apply for settled or pre-settled status Doing so will secure your legal status, ensure you have the right to remain in the UK, and give you access to the same benefits as UK citizens.
Remember, the deadline for applications is June 30, 2021 So don’t wait too long to apply for settled or pre-settled status If you need help with your application, you can contact the Home Office or seek advice from an immigration specialist