Wesbridge Associates · /eu-settlement-scheme

EU Settlement Scheme

Guidance on settled and pre-settled status: automatic 2-year upgrades, late applications under reasonable grounds, family permits and the 5-year switch to ILR.

Wesbridge Associates is an IAA-regulated UK immigration law firm. Our advisers support individuals, families and UK sponsors with skilled worker visas, sponsor licences, family routes, settlement (ILR), British citizenship, appeals and compliance — combining experienced legal advice with AI-powered self-service tools.

Reviewed by Wesbridge Associates' IAA-regulated immigration advisers. Last updated: July 2026.

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) is the Home Office scheme that gave EU, EEA and Swiss citizens (and their family members) resident in the UK before 31 December 2020 the right to remain after Brexit. It grants either pre-settled status (limited leave, usually 5 years) or settled status (indefinite leave). The main deadline was 30 June 2021, but late applications with reasonable grounds are still accepted, and joining family member applications remain open indefinitely for those with a qualifying relationship formed before the specified date.

How it works

Applications are made free of charge through the EU Exchange It or GOV.UK online service, using an Android smartphone (or an in-person ID document scan at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services centre) to verify the passport or national identity card. HMRC and DWP data are automatically checked to confirm UK residence. Settled status is granted where the applicant has completed 5 years' continuous residence in the UK by the date of application, with absences of no more than 6 months in any rolling 12-month period (with limited exceptions for a single absence of up to 12 months for an important reason such as childbirth, serious illness, study or overseas work posting). Pre-settled status is granted where UK residence began before 31 December 2020 but 5 years have not yet been completed; holders can upgrade to settled status once they reach the 5-year mark.

Late applications and joining family members

The 30 June 2021 deadline is not absolute. Late applications are considered where the applicant can show reasonable grounds — for example, being a child whose parent failed to apply, a victim of domestic abuse or modern slavery, someone lacking mental capacity, seriously ill, or unaware of the requirement. Joining family members (spouses, partners, children, dependent parents and grandparents) whose relationship to an EEA sponsor was formed before 31 December 2020 can still apply from overseas at any time via an EUSS Family Permit, then switch to pre-settled or settled status inside the UK.

Automatic extensions and status upgrades

In 2023 the Home Office began automatically extending pre-settled status by 2 years (later increased to 5 years for those extended after September 2023) so it does not lapse before the holder can qualify for settled status. From 2024 the Home Office has been automatically converting eligible pre-settled status holders to settled status where HMRC and DWP data confirm 5 years' UK residence, without a fresh application. Anyone whose status is not upgraded automatically can still apply themselves through the EUSS portal.

Frequently asked questions

I missed the 30 June 2021 deadline — can I still apply?

Yes. The Home Office continues to accept late applications where there are reasonable grounds for the delay, and there is no fixed cut-off for these. Common accepted grounds include being unaware of the requirement, being a child, ill health, being a victim of domestic abuse, or having relied on incorrect advice. Apply as soon as possible and include a written explanation and any supporting evidence.

What is the difference between settled and pre-settled status?

Settled status is indefinite leave to remain — you can live, work and access public funds in the UK indefinitely, and you can apply for British citizenship 12 months later (subject to the good character and Life in the UK requirements). Pre-settled status is 5 years' limited leave granted to those who had not yet completed 5 years' UK residence by the date of application; you upgrade to settled status once you hit the 5-year mark.

Do I need to prove my status to employers or landlords?

Yes. EUSS status is entirely digital — there is no physical document. You prove your right to work, rent or access services by generating a share code through the View and prove your immigration status service on GOV.UK. Employers and landlords then enter the code and your date of birth on the Home Office checker to confirm your status.

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