EU Settlement Scheme: settled and pre-settled status
Settled and pre-settled status for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members. The scheme is now closed to standard applications, so anything filed today must be a late application with reasonable grounds.
- Free
- No application fee
- 5 working days
- Typical processing time
- 31 December 2020
- Residence cut-off
- Indefinite
- Settled status duration
Applying after the deadline
The deadline to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021. The scheme is now closed to standard applications.
Deadline: 30 June 2021
You can only apply now if you have reasonable grounds for missing the deadline. Each late application is assessed on its own facts.
- Serious medical condition preventing application
- Victim of modern slavery or domestic abuse
- Child whose parent or guardian failed to apply
- Compelling practical or compassionate reasons
- Joining a family member with settled or pre-settled status (Family Permit)
Types of status
Four kinds of permission sit under the scheme, each with its own duration and rights.
- Settled status
- Indefinite
- Pre-settled status
- 5 years
- EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit
- 6 months travel
- Frontier Worker Permit
- 5 years
Settled status
Full settlement rights for those living in the UK for 5 continuous years. Indefinite leave to remain, no time limit on stay, work without restrictions, access to benefits and services, travel in and out of the UK freely, and a path to British citizenship.
Pre-settled status
Temporary status for those with less than 5 years residence. Live and work in the UK, valid for 5 years, bring family members, access to the NHS, apply for settled status later, and travel in and out of the UK.
EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit
Join a family member with settled or pre-settled status. Valid for 6 months travel, apply for status on arrival, close family members eligible, and no English requirement.
Frontier Worker Permit
For EU citizens working in the UK but living elsewhere. Work in the UK without residency, live outside the UK, valid for 5 years, no time limit on UK visits, and renewable.
Who can apply
Eligibility requirements for the EU Settlement Scheme.
EU citizens
All EU member state nationals.
EEA citizens
Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway nationals.
Swiss citizens
Swiss nationals.
Family members
Close family of eligible citizens, of any nationality.
Residence before the deadline
Started living in the UK by 31 December 2020.
For settled status
5 years continuous UK residence.
For pre-settled status
Less than 5 years UK residence.
Identity document
Valid passport or national ID card.
Documents you need
What to prepare before you start the application.
Identity and residence
Valid passport or national identity card; evidence of UK residence such as payslips, bank statements or utility bills; National Insurance number if applicable; and a digital photo.
For family applications
Marriage or civil partnership certificate; birth certificates for children; evidence of living together for unmarried partners; and proof of the EU, EEA or Swiss family member's status.
For late applications
A detailed explanation of why you missed the deadline, plus supporting evidence such as medical records or police reports.
Your rights with EUSS status
What you can do with settled or pre-settled status.
Work and business
Work for any employer, be self-employed, or start a business.
Services and education
Access NHS healthcare, enrol in education, and access student finance where conditions are met.
Settlement path
Apply for British citizenship, travel in and out of the UK, and bring family members.
Path to British citizenship
The route from EUSS status to naturalisation.
- 1Step 1
Pre-settled status, if applicable
Valid for 5 years. Continue building UK residence to qualify for settled status.
- 2Step 2
Apply for settled status
After 5 years continuous residence. Grants indefinite leave to remain with no time limit.
- 3Step 3
British citizenship after 12 months
Apply for naturalisation 12 months after getting settled status. You must pass the Life in the UK test.
- 1Step 1
Pre-settled status, if applicable
Valid for 5 years. Continue building UK residence to qualify for settled status.
- 2Step 2
Apply for settled status
After 5 years continuous residence. Grants indefinite leave to remain with no time limit.
- 3Step 3
British citizenship after 12 months
Apply for naturalisation 12 months after getting settled status. You must pass the Life in the UK test.
Tools and resources
Check where you stand before you file, and work out what any onward application will cost.
EUSS eligibility checker
Check whether you qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme.
Learn moreVisa fees calculator
Calculate the cost of an onward or alternative visa application.
Learn moreAdviser review
An IAA-regulated adviser can assess your reasonable grounds and evidence before you apply late.
Need help with your EUSS application?
Our immigration specialists can help you understand your eligibility, gather the right documents, and submit a successful EU Settlement Scheme application — including late applications.
Related
Other routes worth checking
Indefinite Leave to Remain
Permanent settlement in the UK, and how it compares with settled status.
Read moreBritish citizenship
Naturalisation once you have held settled status for 12 months.
Read moreSkilled Worker visa
The sponsored work route for EU citizens without EUSS status.
Read moreShare code
Prove settled or pre-settled status to an employer or landlord online.
Read moreImmigration appeals
Administrative review and appeal routes after a settled status decision.
Read moreReady when you are
Ready to move forward?
Book a consultation with an IAA-regulated adviser and get a clear, honest assessment of your options — including what we would not recommend.