Our award-winning London based team specialises in providing tailored advice to private clients and their families on all their inbound UK immigration requirements, including in relation to the EU Settlement Scheme.
We have extensive experience of preparing thorough and successful applications for our clients.
Our team understands that the application process can be daunting, and somewhat confusing as to what options are available to each individual circumstance.
By working together, we provide expert guidance and assistance through the entire cumbersome process, removing the burden and ensuring that the desired outcomes are achieved.
Designed for a post-Brexit United Kingdom, the scheme allows EU, EEA, Swiss citizens, and their families living in the UK before the end of the transition period to guarantee their right of residence once the UK officially left the European Union. Though the deadline was the 30 June 2021, late applications are still being accepted.
Family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens may also apply for Pre-Settled or Settled Status provided that the relevant EU, EEA or Swiss citizen holds a status under the scheme already, and provided that the family relationship existed prior to 31 December 2020 (with the exception of a child born or adopted after that date).
Pre-Settled Status applies to those who qualify for status under the scheme but who have not lived in the UK for a continuous qualifying period of five years and therefore do not qualify for Settled Status.
EU, EEA, Swiss citizens, and their families who were residing in the UK prior to 31 December 2020. Some family members of EU, EEA and Swiss nationals living in the UK before 31 December 2020 may also apply for Pre-Settled Status from outside the UK. Examples of family members that may qualify for Pre-Settled Status are spouses or civil partners, children, dependent parents, dependent grandparents, or a durable partner.
Pre-Settled Status is granted for a period of five years.
You may work and study in the UK. You may also travel in and out of the UK during the validity of the Pre-Settled Status.
In order to retain Pre-Settled Status in the UK, you cannot spend more than two years outside of the UK at any one time.
You may be eligible to apply for Pre-Settled Status from outside the UK or from inside the UK. You may also apply for Pre-Settled Status while you are in the UK as a visitor.
You may apply to extend your Pre-Settled Status if you were absent from the UK for an ‘important reason’ and do not have sufficient time on your Pre-Settled Status to qualify for Settled Status. In all other cases, you may not extend your Pre-Settled Status and will need to apply to stay in the UK under another immigration category should you wish to stay in the UK after the expiry of the Pre-Settled Status.
You may apply to settle in the UK once you have completed a qualifying five-year period of residence.
Certain family members may apply for Pre-Settled Status provided the family relationship existed before 31 December 2020 (except for children born or adopted after 31 December 2020).
Family members that are not eligible for Pre-Settled Status may apply to enter the UK under the Appendix FM Family route.
EU, EEA, Swiss citizens, and their family members may apply for Settled Status if they have completed a continuous 5-year qualifying period of residence in the UK, which began before 31 December 2020.
You may work and study in the UK. In order to retain your Settled Status in the UK, you cannot spend more than 5 years outside of the UK at any one time.
Certain family members may apply for Pre-Settled Status provided the family relationship existed before 31 December 2020 (except for children born after 31 December 2020).
Family members that are not eligible for Pre-Settled Status may apply to enter the UK under the Appendix FM Family route.
You are eligible to apply for British citizenship 12 months after obtaining Settled Status. In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship straightaway, for example, if you are married to a British citizen or if you have evidence that you acquired Permanent Residency status under the EEA Regulations and at least 12 months since that date has passed.
For more information about us and our personal immigration services, please contact a member of the team who can answer any questions and guide you through the process.
Contact us using our contact form by selecting a service from the drop down list below.
