EU citizens to be granted ‘settled status’ to remain in the UK after Brexit
The government announced that EU citizens living in the UK for at least 5 years will be eligible for a new 'settled status' after Brexit. Over 3 million people are expected to apply for the new settled status but the application process might not be ready for all applicants before the UK leaves the EU in March 2019.
Yesterday, the government revealed its plans to grant 'settled status' to EU citizens who have lived in the UK for more than 5 years. This will allow them to continue living in the UK permanently after Brexit. It also released details on how it expects to cope with the 3million+ applications that are expected to be made.
Who can apply for settled status?
Any EU national who has been a resident in the UK for at least 5 years will be able to apply for settled status. Settled status will provide the right to continue living in the UK after Brexit but does not grant citizenship. EU nationals who are absent from the UK for 5 or more years will lose their right to settled status.
Any EU citizen arriving in the UK by the end of 2020, or who has not been resident in the UK for 5 years, will be granted 'pre-settled status'. This grants them to right to live in the UK for 5 years. After that, they can apply for settled status.
How do you apply for settled status?
You will need to apply to the Home Office for settled status. The Home Office has said that applications can be done in 3 easy steps:
- Use your EU passport or national ID card to prove your identity
- Use your National Insurance number or other acceptable documentation to prove your UK residence
- Declare any criminal convictions. The Home Office will check they are not serious or persistent
There will be an application fee of £65 per application, £32.50 for a child under 16.
There are concerns about how the Home Office will handle the sheer volume of applications. The Home Office has said it plans to create a new 'digital, streamlined, user-friendly scheme'. More news is expected on this in future.
Family of residents with settled status
People with settled status will be able to bring close family members, such as spouses, children and parents, to the UK after the post-Brexit transition period ends in December 2020. Unmarried partners will also be able to come to the UK.
If you have any questions regarding your own status or your family's status, please contact us in London (West Drayton) on 01895 449288 or in Hertfordshire (St Albans) on 01727 840900 or by email via our contact page.