EU Settlement Scheme applications

The UK officially left the EU on 1 January 2021. From that date onwards, the UK’s new points-based system launched – this meant any new arrival EU nationals and their dependants would be subject to the UK’s new immigration rules.

However, as part of the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK agreed to protect the rights of all EU/EEA citizens who were residing in the UK by 31 December 2020. The scheme introduced was the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). All EU/EEA citizens and their dependants that were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, had until 30 June 2021 to apply under the EUSS in order to evidence their right to be in the UK and accordingly be granted an immigration status.

The Home Office has made provisions for individuals who did not apply by 30 June 2021 (but would have been eligible to apply) to make late applications to the EUSS. You will need to provide a reasonable explanation for making a late application to the scheme.

We continue to assist some clients with late applications who were unable or unaware they had to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme before the deadline. Such applications require careful consideration and representation given the changes to the scheme recently. If you or a family member are concerned you may be eligible to apply to the scheme but have not done so already, you can contact our Immigration team for further advice and assistance.