The deadline for most people to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021. You can still apply if either: the deadline for you to apply is after 30 June 2021 you have ‘reasonable grounds’ for why you did not apply by the deadline If you already have pre-settled status, you can still apply for settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme . You must apply before your pre-settled status expires. Who has a later deadline to apply For some people, the deadline of 30 June 2021 does not apply. This is true if you’re one of the following: the family member of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who was living here by 31 December 2020, and had settled or pre-settled status, and you join them in the UK on or after 1 April 2021 applying for your child, who was born or adopted in the UK on or after 1 April 2021 the family member of an eligible person of Northern Ireland, but they could not move back to the UK by 31 December 2020 without you - you must be from outside the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein exempt from immigration control, or you stopped being exempt from immigration control after 30 June 2021 here with limited leave to enter or remain in the UK (for example, if you’re here on a work or study visa) which expires after 30 June 2021 a family member of a British citizen who you lived with in the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein - you must have lived with them in that country by 31 December 2020, and returned to the UK with them When you need to apply If you’re applying as a family member to join someone in the UK, you have 90 days to apply from when you arrive in the UK. This only applies if you join them in the UK on or after 1 April 2021. If you joined them before that date, your deadline to apply was 30 June 2021. If you’re applying for your child who was born or adopted in the UK on or after 1 April 2021 , you have 90 days from when they were born or adopted. If they were born or adopted in the UK before that date, your deadline to apply was 30 June 2021. If you’re the family member of an eligible person of Northern Ireland , and they could not move back to the UK without you by 31 December 2020, you have 90 days to apply from when you arrive in the UK. If you’re exempt from immigration control, you do not have to apply to the scheme. If you choose to do so, you can apply at any time. If you stop being exempt, you will have 90 days to apply. If you have limited leave to enter or remain in the UK which expires after 30 June 2021, you must apply before your leave expires. If you’re applying as a family member of a British citizen who you lived with in the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein before you returned to the UK with them, your deadline to apply was 29 March 2022. If you did not apply by the deadline You can still apply if you’re eligible for the scheme and can show ‘reasonable grounds’ for why you did not apply by the deadline that applies to you. Who is eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme You must meet one of the eligibility criteria for the scheme, which for most people is either: you’re from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and you started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and had pre-settled or settled status you’re the family member of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and had settled or pre-settled status You may also be eligible if: you used to have a family member from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 (but you’ve separated, they’ve died or the family relationship has broken down) you’re the family member of a British citizen who you lived with in the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein - you must have lived with them in that country by 31 December 2020 and returned to the UK with them before you apply you’re the family member of a British citizen who also is a citizen of an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and they lived in the UK as a citizen of one of these countries before getting British citizenship you have a family member who is an eligible person of Northern Ireland you’re the child of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who used to live and work in the UK - you must be in education in the UK you’re the family member of a person who is exempt from immigration control you’re the family member of a ‘frontier worker’ You and your child may also be eligible if, by 31 December 2020, you were the primary carer of a: British citizen (and you did not have another type of permission to stay in the UK) child of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who used to live and work in the UK - the child must be in education in the UK self-sufficient child from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein ‘Reasonable grounds’ for why you did not apply by the deadline If you did not apply by 30 June 2021, or by the deadline for your circumstances if it’s later, you may still be able to apply to the scheme. You will need to have ‘reasonable grounds’ for why you did not apply by the deadline. There are many different reasons that can be included as reasonable grounds for not applying by the deadline. There is not a complete list - if you have a reason not listed here, you can still apply and your reason will be considered. Some reasonable grounds are, for example, if: you’re a child, or applying for your child, and you did not know you needed to apply your parent, guardian or local authority did not apply for you when you were a child you have, or had, a medical condition which prevented you from applying you lacked the physical or mental capacity to apply you have care or support needs, or those caring for you were unaware of the deadline you’ve been the victim of modern slavery you’ve been in an abusive or controlling relationship you did not have internet access, or access to relevant documents you came to the UK on a work or study visa and became eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme while you were here, but did not know you could apply you already have indefinite leave to enter or remain, and you did not know you could apply to the scheme you had permanent residence status or a residence document that stopped being valid after 30 June 2021, and you did not know you needed to apply to the scheme you had difficulty accessing support to apply because of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions another compelling practical or compassionate reason prevented you applying When you apply, you need to provide evidence to support the reason or reasons you give for missing the deadline . If you’re exempt from immigration control, or stop being exempt You do not need to do anything to continue living in the UK while you’re exempt from immigration control. You’ll have been told if you’re exempt from immigration control, for example because you’re: a foreign diplomat posted in the UK a member of NATO You can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme at any time, as long as you or a family member started living in the UK by 31 December 2020. Your privileges and immunities may change if you get settled status. If you stop being exempt, you need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme within 90 days of when you stop being exempt. You’ll need to prove that you are or were exempt from immigration control as part of your application. Your family members may be eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme whether they are exempt from immigration control or not. They can apply at any time, even if you have not yet applied. Who does not need to apply You do not need to apply if you have: indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK Irish citizenship (including British and Irish ‘dual citizenship’) a Frontier Worker permit , or you’re eligible for one, as long as you continue living outside the UK while working here You cannot apply if you have British citizenship.

You’ll be given either: settled status, usually where you’ve lived in the UK for a continuous 5-year period (known as ‘continuous residence’) pre-settled status You will not be asked to choose which you’re applying for. Which status you get usually depends on how long you’ve been living in the UK when you apply. You may be eligible for settled status before you have 5 years’ continuous residence. This would be, for example, if you’re the child of someone with settled status, or if you stop working in the UK, or start working in an EU country . How your continuous residence is worked out Five years’ continuous residence means that for 5 years in a row you’ve been in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for at least 6 months in any 12-month period. You’ll need to show that you - or your family member from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein - were living in the UK by 31 December 2020. When you can be outside the UK for more than 6 months There are some absences of more than 6 months in a 12-month period that will not count as a break in your continuous residence, which are: one period of up to 12 months for an important reason - for example, childbirth, serious illness, study, vocational training, an overseas work posting or because of coronavirus (COVID-19) compulsory military service of any length time you spent abroad as a Crown servant, or as the family member of a Crown servant time you spent abroad in the armed forces, or as the family member of someone in the armed forces working in the UK marine area Check the guidance if you were outside the UK for more than 12 months because of COVID-19 . You may be able to maintain your continuous residence. Your rights with settled or pre-settled status You’ll be able to: work in the UK use the NHS for free, if you can at the moment enrol in education or study in the UK access public funds such as benefits and pensions, if you’re eligible for them travel in and out of the UK If you’re a national of a country requiring UK entry clearance you need a valid biometric residence card (BRC) and passport to return to the UK after travelling abroad. If your BRC has expired or you do not have one, you’ll need to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit . If you get settled status, you can stay in the UK as long as you like. You’ll also be able to apply for British citizenship if you’re eligible. If you get pre-settled status, you can stay in the UK for a further 5 years from the date you get pre-settled status. If you want to spend time outside the UK If you have settled status, you can spend up to 5 years in a row outside the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man without losing your status. If you’re a Swiss citizen, you and your family members can spend up to 4 years in a row outside the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man without losing your settled status. Your family members do not have to be Swiss citizens. If you have pre-settled status, you can spend up to 2 years in a row outside the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man without losing your status. You will need to maintain your continuous residence if you want to qualify for settled status. If you spend too much time outside the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man You’ll lose your settled or pre-settled status. You’ll usually need to apply for a visa to live and work in the UK, even if your biometric residence card ( BRC ) has not expired. You can reapply to the EU Settlement Scheme if you’re eligible as a family member of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein . If you have children after applying If you get settled status, any children born in the UK while you’re living here will automatically be British citizens. If you get pre-settled status, any children born in the UK will be eligible for pre-settled status. They will only be a British citizen if they qualify for it through their other parent. Switching from pre-settled to settled status You can switch to settled status as soon as you’ve had 5 years’ continuous residence, or sooner if you’re eligible before 5 years. The 5 years is counted from the day you started your continuous residence, not the day you were granted pre-settled status. You must apply for settled status before your pre-settled status expires to stay in the UK. If you want family members to join or remain with you in the UK If you’re from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, your family members can join or remain with you if all of the following apply: you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 your relationship with them began by 31 December 2020 (unless they’re a child born or adopted after that date) the relationship still exists when they apply you have settled or pre-settled status They need to make the application themselves, as long as they meet the requirements to apply . If you’re a Swiss citizen and you have a partner Your spouse or civil partner can apply until 31 December 2025 to join or remain with you in the UK if both of the following apply: your relationship with them began after 31 December 2020 but by 31 December 2025 you’re still in the relationship when you apply If you’re the family member of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who has died You may be eligible for settled status before you’ve been living in the UK for 5 years. Your family member must have been working or self-employed in the UK at the time of their death. They must have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020. You must also have been living with them in the UK just before their death and either: they lived continuously in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for at least 2 years immediately before their death their death was the result of an accident at work or an occupational disease

What you'll need to apply

If you are from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and you started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 - or you’re applying to join or remain with your family member who did - you’ll need evidence to prove your: identity continuous residence in the UK and (unless you’re applying to join a family member) that it started by 31 December 2020 eligibility to apply after 30 June 2021 relationship to your family member, and their eligibility or status under the EU Settlement Scheme, if you’re applying to join or remain with them in the UK You’ll need to provide this proof again when you apply to switch from pre-settled status for settled status. Proof of identity If you’re from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you need a valid passport or valid national identity card. You also need to provide a digital photo of your face. If you’re not from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you need to provide one of the following: a valid passport a biometric residence card ( BRC ) or biometric residence permit ( BRP ) issued in the UK which has not expired You also need to provide a digital photo of your face. If you do not already have a biometric residence card within its expiry date, you’ll need to provide your fingerprints (but not for children aged 5 and under). If you do not have any of these you may be able to use other evidence in certain situations. Contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre if you do not have any of the listed documents. When you apply, you can either: scan your document and upload your photo using the ‘ EU Exit: ID Document Check’ app using an Android phone, or an iPhone 7 or above send your document in the post and upload your photo using the online application form (you can take this yourself) If your documents have expired If your documents have expired and you did not have time to renew them before the 30 June 2021 deadline, you can still apply with: an expired passport an expired national identity card - if you are from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein documents where the expiry date has been extended because of coronavirus (COVID-19) Scan your document You can use the ‘ EU Exit: ID Document Check’ app on: an Android phone an iPhone 7 or above To scan your document using a phone, you’ll need one of the following: a valid passport or biometric national identity card from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein a UK-issued biometric residence card within its expiry date You can use someone else’s phone to prove your identity. Send your document by post You must send your document by post if you have a: passport that is not from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein BRP issued in the UK non-biometric national identity card from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein You can send other types of document in the post if you cannot use the ‘ID Document Check’ app. Evidence of continuous residence You’ll need to provide evidence of how many years’ continuous residence you have in the UK. This usually decides whether you get settled or pre-settled status. If you arrived in the UK by 31 December 2020 You can give your National Insurance number to allow an automated check of your residence based on tax and certain benefit records. If this check shows you’ve been here for 5 years in a row, you will not need to provide any documents as proof of residence. You’ll only need to provide documents if you have been here for 5 years in a row but there is not enough data to confirm this. The Home Office will tell you after you apply if you need to provide any documents. You should submit photos or scans of your documents through the online application form, rather than sending them by post. If you arrived after 31 December 2020 or you’re asked for more evidence Read what documents you can provide if you arrived after 31 December 2020, or you arrived before then but you’re asked to provide more evidence. There is extra guidance if your continuous residence has been affected by COVID-19 , including examples of the evidence you can provide. Evidence of your eligibility to apply after 30 June 2021 You’ll need evidence to support either: why the 30 June 2021 deadline did not apply in your circumstances your ‘reasonable grounds’ for not applying by the deadline - whether this deadline was 30 June 2021, or later for your circumstances If the 30 June 2021 deadline did not apply If you’re joining a family member from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and you arrived in the UK on or after 1 April 2021, you’ll need evidence of when you arrived in the UK, for example: an inbound travel ticket if it was stamped when you arrived (you cannot use a ticket that has no proof of your arrival, such as an e-ticket) transactions taking place inside the UK (in person, not online) after your arrival date a letter from a government department, public body or charity confirming a physical meeting - for example, with a job centre, or Citizens Advice This is to show you’re applying within 90 days of arriving in the UK. If you were already living in the UK or joined your family member here before 1 April 2021, your deadline to apply was 30 June 2021. You can still apply if you have reasonable grounds for missing the deadline . You’ll need other types of evidence if you’re applying: for your child who was born or adopted in the UK on or after 1 April 2021 as the family member of an eligible person of Northern Ireland who could not move back to the UK by 31 December 2020 while you remained outside the UK before your existing limited leave to enter or remain expires If you’re exempt from immigration control, or you stop being exempt, you’ll need evidence of: the job you have, or had, that means you are or were exempt, such as a copy of your employment contract when your job started and finished, if you stop being exempt, such as a letter from your employer Evidence of your reasonable grounds for missing the deadline The evidence you can provide depends on why you did not apply by the deadline - whether this deadline was 30 June 2021, or later in your circumstances. For example, you can use: a letter from a doctor, carer or other healthcare professional, to show your medical grounds or care needs court documents or a letter from an organisation supporting victims of domestic violence, to show you were in an abusive or controlling relationship a letter from a parent, guardian or local authority, if the application is for a child and they did not know they needed to apply for you a letter from a charity or homeless shelter explaining your circumstances If you’re applying to join or remain with a family member in the UK You will also need to provide evidence of: your relationship to your family member from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein - for example, a birth, marriage or civil partnership certificate, or a UK residence card issued based on the relationship your family member’s pre-settled or settled status - you may need to prove their eligibility if they have not applied yet If you have a UK permanent residence document, you do not need to provide any evidence of your relationship. How to provide your evidence You can usually scan and submit your evidence through the online application form. You might be asked to provide the original document or a certified English translation of any document that is not in English. If you’re not from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and you do not have a biometric residence card (that has not expired), you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point. This is to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo, or only a photo for children under 5) when you apply. When you need to provide more evidence You’ll need to provide more evidence if: you used to have a family member from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 (but you’ve separated, they’ve died or the family relationship has broken down) you’re the family member of a British citizen who you lived with in the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein - you must have lived with them in that country by 31 December 2020 and returned to the UK with them before you apply you’re the family member of a British citizen who is also a citizen of an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and they lived in the UK as a citizen of one of these countries before getting British citizenship you have a family member who is an eligible person of Northern Ireland you’re the child of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who used to live and work in the UK - you must be in education in the UK you’re the family member of a person who is exempt from immigration control you’re the family member of a ‘frontier worker’ You’ll also need to provide more evidence if by 31 December 2020 you were the primary carer (or the child of a primary carer) of a: British citizen (and you did not have another type of permission to stay in the UK) child of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who used to live and work in the UK - the child must be in education in the UK self-sufficient child from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein If you have criminal convictions If you’re 18 or over, the Home Office will check you have not committed serious or repeated crimes, and that you do not pose a security threat. You’ll be asked to declare convictions that appear in your criminal record in the UK or overseas. You do not need to declare any of the following: convictions that do not need to be disclosed (‘spent convictions’) warnings (‘cautions’) alternatives to prosecution, for example speeding fines You’ll also be checked against the UK’s crime databases. You’ll still be eligible for settled or pre-settled status if you’ve only been convicted of a minor crime. If you have other convictions, you may still get settled or pre-settled. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis. If you’ve been to prison If you had a right of permanent residence or had 5 years’ continuous residence before you went to prison, you may be eligible for settled status. If you do not have a right of permanent residence, or 5 years’ continuous residence before you went to prison, you may be eligible for pre-settled status. This only applies if you were released on or before 31 December 2020.

Switch from pre-settled status to settled status

If you have pre-settled status, you can stay in the UK for a further 5 years from the date you got your status. You must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme again before your pre-settled status expires to stay in the UK. When to apply You can apply to switch to settled status as soon as you’re eligible. This is usually after you’ve lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 5 years in a row (known as ‘continuous residence’). The 5 years is counted from the day you started your continuous residence, not the day you were granted pre-settled status. You may not be eligible for settled status if during the 5 years you spent more than 6 months outside the UK in a 12-month period. Example You came to the UK on 2 March 2018 and got pre-settled status on 15 January 2020. You will become eligible to apply for settled status on 2 March 2023, after you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years. The latest you could apply for settled status is on 14 January 2025, just before your pre-settled status expires. Find out more about continuous residence and if you’re eligible for settled status . Check the guidance if your continuous residence has been affected by COVID-19 , which includes information on when you can be absent from the UK for longer than 6 months. If you’re not eligible for settled status If you’re not eligible for settled status because you spent more than 6 months outside the UK in a 12-month period, you may be able to get pre-settled status again. Both of the following must apply: the time you spent outside the UK was before 31 December 2020 you were back in the UK by 31 December 2020 You may also be able to get pre-settled status again if you apply to join a family member from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020. If you cannot get pre-settled status again and your current status is about to expire, apply for a visa to stay in the UK . What you’ll need You’ll need proof of identity and evidence of your continuous residence. If your pre-settled status was based on your relationship to a family member, you will also need evidence of that relationship. You can use the same types of evidence you used to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme the first time. Apply to switch your status It is free to apply. Start now After you’ve applied If your application is successful, a letter will be emailed to you confirming your status. If you’re given settled status You can stay in the UK as long as you like. You’ll usually be able to apply for citizenship 12 months after you’ve got settled status. If you’re given pre-settled status again You can stay in the UK for a further 5 years from the date on your Home Office decision letter. You can apply for settled status after you’ve lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 5 years in a row (known as ‘continuous residence’). Find out what to do if you think the decision should have been different .

Applying for your child

Each child must have their own application. You can apply for your child or they can apply for themselves. Eligibility Your child may be eligible for settled or pre-settled status if they are: under 21 from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein - or you, or your spouse or civil partner, are Although the deadline for applications for most people was 30 June 2021, you can still apply for your child - or they can apply for themselves - if you lived in the UK by 31 December 2020. They must have been born or adopted in the UK, or joined you here, either: on or after 1 April 2021 before 1 April 2021, but, for example, you did not know that they needed to apply to the scheme - this will be considered as ‘reasonable grounds’ for not applying by the deadline If your child was born in the UK but is not a British citizen, they will still need to apply. You can check if they’re a British citizen if you’re not sure. What documents you’ll need You’ll need proof of: your child’s identity - you can use the same types of documents for proving your own identity , for example a passport or biometric residence card (if it has not expired) your relationship to your child when you started living in the UK, if you have not applied to the scheme when your child was born or adopted, if this was on or after 1 April 2021 - for example a birth certificate or adoption order when your child started living here, if they started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 your child’s continuous residence If your child started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you’ll need evidence that shows they were here in the last 6 months of 2020. Check what evidence you can use to show when your child started living in the UK , and that they’ve continued to live here. If you have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme When you apply for your child you can ‘link’ their application to yours. This means that if your own application is successful, your child will usually get the same status as you. To do this, select the option to apply ‘using your parent’s residence’, then enter your application number. You will need to do this for each child you apply for. You can use your own email address in the application if your child does not have one. You can apply for your child any time after you’ve made your own application - you do not need to wait for a decision. Your child will not get the same status as you if they’re eligible for settled status and you have pre-settled status. If you have not applied to the EU Settlement Scheme If you’re eligible for the scheme, but did not apply by the deadline, you’ll have to apply yourself and show why you did not apply by the deadline . If you’re not eligible for the scheme but your child is, you can still apply for them. For example, if they live in the UK and you do not. If your child does not have 5 years’ continuous residence If your child does not have 5 years’ continuous residence when they apply, they’ll usually get pre-settled status, unless you’ve been granted pre-settled status. You can apply to change this to settled status once they have reached 5 years’ continuous residence or you’ve been granted settled status. You must do this before their pre-settled status expires - this will be 5 years after the date they got pre-settled status. If you’re an Irish citizen You do not need to apply for settled or pre-settled status if you’re an Irish citizen who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020, but you can choose to do so. If you apply, your children will also need their own application unless they have: Irish citizenship British citizenship dual British and Irish citizenship If you’re an Irish citizen and your child is not a British citizen, they’ll be eligible for either: the same status that you could get, based on how long you’ve lived in the UK settled or pre-settled status, based on their own residence This also applies if you’re from Northern Ireland and have Irish, British or dual British and Irish citizenship, and your child does not have Irish, British or dual citizenship. How to apply Apply online for the EU Settlement Scheme .

Applying as the family member of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You can apply as the family member of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if all of the following are true: they started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 they have settled or pre-settled status you’re joining them in the UK on or after 1 April 2021 If you started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, or joined them before 1 April 2021, you can still apply if you have ‘reasonable grounds’ for applying now the deadline has passed . You can apply if you’re a non-British family member of an Irish citizen, even though they do not need to. If you’re the family member of a person of Northern Ireland, there are different rules for how you can apply . Your family relationship You can apply if you’re in a relationship with someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein as their spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner. The relationship must have started by 31 December 2020 and must still exist. You can also apply if you’re related to someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein - or you’re related to their spouse or civil partner - if you’re their: child, grandchild or great-grandchild under 21 years old dependent child, grandchild or great-grandchild over the age of 21 You can also apply as a dependent parent, grandparent or great-grandparent if you have a relevant document to prove your relationship . You can apply as another type of dependent relative if both of the following apply: you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 you have a relevant document to prove your relationship When to apply If you join them in the UK on or after 1 April 2021, you must apply within 90 days of arriving in the UK. You will need to show your reasonable grounds for why you’re applying after the deadline if you: started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 joined them in the UK on or before 1 April 2021 joined them in the UK after 1 April 2021, but did not apply within 90 days of arriving Other types of family relationship You may also be able to apply if: you’re the family member of a British citizen who you lived with in the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein - you must have lived with them in that country by 31 December 2020 and returned to the UK with them before you apply you used to have a family member from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020 (but you’ve separated, they’ve died or the family relationship has broken down) you’re the family member of a British citizen who is also a citizen of an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and they lived in the UK as a citizen of one of these countries before getting British citizenship you’re the child of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who used to live and work in the UK - you must be in education in the UK you’re the family member of a person who is exempt from immigration control you’re the family member of a ‘frontier worker’ You and your child can also apply if by 31 December 2020 you were the primary carer of a: British citizen (and you did not have another type of permission to stay in the UK) child of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who used to live and work in the UK - the child must be in education in the UK self-sufficient child from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein How you apply is different for each of these criteria. If your family member is a British citizen (‘Surinder Singh’ applications) You may be eligible if you lived in the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with your family member. This is also known as a ‘Surinder Singh’ application. You must have lived there with them by 31 December 2020 and returned with them to the UK. You must be their: spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner child, grandchild or great-grandchild under 21 years old dependent child, grandchild or great-grandchild over 21 years old dependent parent, grandparent or great-grandparent You can apply as another type of dependent relative if you returned with them to the UK by 31 December 2020. The country that you lived in together must have been your main residence. Your British family member must also have been working, studying or self-sufficient in the country while there. When you can apply The deadline for you to return to the UK depends on your relationship with your British family member. You must return and apply by 29 March 2022 if you’re their: spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner, and your relationship started before 1 February 2020 child, grandchild or great-grandchild under 21 years old dependent child, grandchild or great-grandchild over 21 years old dependent parent, grandparent or great-grandparent If your relationship started on or after 1 February 2020, or you’re any other dependent relative, the deadline for applying was 30 June 2021. You can still apply if you have ‘reasonable grounds’ for not applying by the deadline. If you’re a spouse or civil partner, your family members can also apply if they’re your: child, grandchild or great-grandchild under 21 years old dependent child, grandchild or great-grandchild over 21 years old dependent parent, grandparent or great-grandparent They must return and apply by the same date as you. You cannot use the online service to apply if this is how you qualify for the scheme. Contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre online to find out how to apply. If you used to have a family member from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020 You may be able to apply if you used to have a family member who started living in the UK by 31 December 2020. This is called a ‘retained right of residence’. If you’re eligible because you have a retained right of residence, you can apply using the online service . If you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you can still apply if you have reasonable grounds for not applying by 30 June 2021. If you’re in education in the UK You can apply if you’re in education and were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, and one of the following is true: you’re the child of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020, and they have left the UK or died one of your parents is the spouse or civil partner of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020, and they have left the UK or died If you qualify through any of these circumstances, your parent is also eligible, providing they have custody of you. If your family member has died You can also apply if your family member who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020 has died, and you lived continuously in the UK as their family member for at least one year immediately before their death. If you or a family member was previously married or in a civil partnership You can apply if your marriage or civil partnership to someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020 ended with a divorce, annulment or dissolution, and you lived in the UK when it ended. One of the following must also apply: the marriage or civil partnership lasted for at least 3 years and you’d both been living in the UK for at least one year during that time you have custody of their child you have been given right of access in the UK to their child - the child must be under 18 particularly difficult circumstances apply - for example, you or another family member was the victim of domestic violence or abuse in the marriage or civil partnership You can also apply if a family member had an eligible marriage or civil partnership and you lived in the UK when it ended. You must be their: child, grandchild or great-grandchild under 21 years old dependent child, grandchild or great-grandchild over the age of 21 dependent parent, grandparent or great-grandparent other dependent relative If you are a victim of domestic violence or abuse You can apply if your family relationship to someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020 has broken down permanently because of domestic violence or abuse. You can apply if you are or were their: spouse or civil partner unmarried partner child, grandchild or great-grandchild under 21 years old dependent child, grandchild or great-grandchild over the age of 21 dependent parent, grandparent or great-grandparent other dependent relative If you’re the primary carer of a British citizen or the primary carer of a child from, or of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein You may be able to apply if by 31 December 2020 you were the primary carer of either: a British citizen (and you did not have another type of permission to stay in the UK) a child from, or of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein You both must have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020. Any dependent children you have may also be able to apply. To be someone’s primary carer, you must be both: responsible for their day to day care, including making decisions about their education, health and finances a family member or their legal guardian You can share these responsibilities with someone else. You cannot use the online service to apply if this is how you qualify for the scheme. Contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre online to find out how to apply. If you’re the primary carer of an adult You can apply if by 31 December 2020 you were the primary carer of a dependent adult who is a British citizen. You must both have been living in the UK and you must not have had another type of permission to stay in the UK. If you’re the primary carer of a child You can apply if by 31 December 2020 you were the primary carer of a British child. You must both have been living in the UK and you must not have had another type of permission to stay in the UK. You can apply if by 31 December 2020 you were the primary carer of a child from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who is self-sufficient. You must both have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020. You can also apply if by 31 December 2020 you were the primary carer of a child who is in education in the UK. They must have a parent from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who has both: lived and worked in the UK when the child has lived in the UK later stopped working in the UK, or left the UK If your spouse or civil partner is a Swiss citizen You can apply as the spouse or civil partner of a Swiss citizen in the UK until 31 December 2025 if both of the following apply: your relationship with them began after 31 December 2020 and by 31 December 2025 you’re still in the relationship when you apply

If you stop working in the UK or start working in an EU country

The deadline to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme in most cases was 30 June 2021. In some cases, you can still apply to the scheme if that deadline did not apply or you have ‘reasonable grounds’ for not applying by the deadline. If you can still apply, you and your family members can get settled status with less than 5 years’ continuous residence in certain situations. If you have to stop working If you’re from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you may be able to get settled status if you have to stop working or being self-employed in the UK because of an accident or illness (known as ‘permanent incapacity’). You may be able to get settled status if either: you have lived continuously in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for more than the 2 years immediately beforehand the permanent incapacity was the result of an accident at work or an occupational disease that entitles you to a pension from a UK institution You can also get settled status if you’re married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen. If you’re the family member of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein at the time they had to stop working or being self-employed in the UK, you may also be eligible for settled status. If you reach State Pension age or retire early If you’re from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you may be able to get settled status if you reach State Pension age or retire early in the UK. If you’re the family member of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein at the time they reach State Pension age or retire early in the UK, you may also be eligible for settled status. If you reach State Pension age If you’re from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you can get settled status if you stopped working when you reached State Pension age and either: you worked continuously or were self employed in the UK for at least 1 year beforehand and have lived continuously in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for more than 3 years your spouse or civil partner is a British citizen If you retire early If you’re from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can get settled status if you retire early and either: you worked continuously (for someone other than yourself) in the UK for at least 1 year beforehand and have lived continuously in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for more than 3 years your spouse or civil partner is a British citizen If you start work or self-employment in the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein If you’re from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can get settled status if you start work or self-employment in one of those countries and you both: have lived and worked or been self-employed in the UK continuously for at least 3 years beforehand usually return to your UK home at least once a week If you’re the family member of someone from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein at the time they start work or self-employment in one of those countries you may also be eligible for settled status.

If your application is successful, you’ll get a decision letter by email or post confirming you’ve been given settled or pre-settled status. You cannot use the letter itself to prove your status. The status you get under the EU Settlement Scheme proves your rights in the UK only. Your documents will be returned to you automatically once the decision has been made - this usually takes between 6 to 8 weeks. Viewing and proving your status online You can view your status or prove it to someone else online , for example employers or landlords. You’ll get a ‘share code’ to give to your employer or landlord. They can view your immigration status and rights by entering the share code and your date of birth online. If you’re not from the EU , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein You can view your status or prove it to someone else online . You cannot use your biometric residence card (BRC) to confirm your right to work or rent. You’ll need to prove your right to work online or prove your right to rent online instead. If you did not have a BRC when you applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll be sent one by post if your application is successful. This BRC will expire on 31 December 2024. Your immigration status will not be affected. From 1 January 2025, you’ll only be able to view your status or prove it to someone else online . Travelling abroad You cannot use your BRC to travel from the UK to another country. You’ll need to apply for a visa if the country you’re travelling to requires one. Returning to the UK If you’re a national of a country requiring UK entry clearance , you’ll need: a valid BRC a passport If your BRC is lost, stolen or expires when you’re outside the UK, you can get an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit . Once you return, you should then apply for a replacement BRC . You must apply from inside the UK. From 1 January 2025, you’ll only be able to view your status or prove it to someone else online . Updating your details You must keep your details up to date , for example if you get a new passport. Applying for citizenship You’ll usually be able to apply for citizenship 12 months after you’ve got settled status. If the Home Office finds a mistake or needs more information The Home Office will contact you before making a decision on your application, so you can correct the error. They’ll also tell you if you need to provide more evidence before they can make a decision. If you cannot find the email in your inbox, check your junk or spam folder before contacting the Home Office for progress on your application. If your application is unsuccessful You may be able to apply for an administrative review of your application if you think there’s been a mistake. It costs £80 and you’ll usually get the result within 28 days. You’ll get your money back if the original decision is changed because of an error. You can submit new evidence as part of an administrative review but you will not get your money back if the decision is changed because of the new evidence. You may have to pay for any NHS healthcare that you received while waiting for a decision. Appeal the decision You can also make an appeal to an independent tribunal . You can only appeal the decision if your application was made after 11pm on 31 January 2020. If you already have an outstanding immigration application The Home Office will consider both applications. If you meet the criteria for both, you can choose which one is granted.

Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status)

Overview

If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you and your family might be able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK. You might also be able to apply if you’re the family member of an eligible person of Northern Ireland.

The deadline for most people to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you can still apply if you or a family member were living in the UK by 31 December 2020. You must also either:

meet one of the criteria for a later deadline to apply
have ‘reasonable grounds’ for not applying by 30 June 2021

You can also apply if you already have pre-settled status, and you’re applying for settled status.

You may be able to stay in the UK without applying - for example, if you’re an Irish citizen, or you already have indefinite leave to enter or remain.

If your application is successful, you’ll get either settled or pre-settled status.

If you’re coming to the UK from Ukraine

If you have a family member living in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa.

Both the Ukraine Family Scheme and the EU Settlement Scheme will allow you to work and study in the UK.

You can choose which scheme to apply to, but if you apply both to the Ukraine Family Scheme and for an EU Settlement Scheme, it may cause a delay in getting your decision.

If you apply to the Ukraine Family Scheme, you’ll still be able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, if you’re eligible, once you’re in the UK.

Criteria for later deadlines and ‘reasonable grounds’ for not applying by the deadline

In some cases, you can still apply after 30 June 2021.

For example, if you’re joining a family member who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020, your deadline will be based on when you arrive in the UK, as long as:

you were their family member by 31 December 2020 (this does not apply to children born or adopted after this date)
the family relationship still exists when you apply

You can also apply if you can show ‘reasonable grounds’ (such as medical reasons, or being the victim of domestic abuse) for why you did not apply by 30 June 2021.

Check if you can still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, including further examples of what counts as reasonable grounds for not applying by the deadline.

If you have not yet applied to the EU Settlement Scheme

Your rights in the UK are not protected unless you have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme and received a certificate of application.

This means you cannot:

access benefits and services (including free NHS healthcare)
work or study in the UK
rent a property in England

How to protect your rights by applying

Once you’ve applied and received your certificate of application to the EU Settlement Scheme, your rights are protected.

This protection will last until you get a decision on your application or the outcome of an administrative review or appeal.

You can use your certificate of application to prove your rights in the UK, for example the right to work, rent, claim benefits or use NHS services.

You can use your certificate of application to prove your rights in the UK.

You can view your certificate online. You will also receive a copy of your certificate in the post or by email, depending on how you applied.

If you’re a joining family member

If you are a joining family member, your rights will automatically be protected for 90 days from the date of your arrival in the UK.

After 90 days, your automatic temporary protection will end. You’ll need to prove that you’ve submitted an application to continue to access your rights in the UK.

If you get a written notice from Immigration Enforcement

You’ll usually get 28 days to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme once Immigration Enforcement have contacted you.

If you already have pre-settled status

If you applied to the EU Settlement Scheme and were given pre-settled status, you need to apply for settled status before your pre-settled status expires.

Settled status will let you stay in the UK for as long as you like. You can usually apply for citizenship once you’ve had settled status for 12 months.

Check what you’ll need to do to apply.

If you’re waiting for a decision

After you’ve applied, you’ll get a certificate of application. The certificate will explain what you can use it for while you’re waiting for a decision - for example, whether you can use it to prove your right to work in the UK.

Check what you’ll need to do once you’ve got a decision on your application.

Fees

It’s free to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Step 1 Check if you need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme
You may need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK.
1. Check if you need to apply
Step 2 Find out what status you’ll get
You’ll get settled or pre-settled status depending on how long you’ve been living in the UK. This might affect when you choose to apply.
1. Find out what you’ll get
Step 3 Check what you’ll need to apply
1. What you'll need to apply
Check what you need to do if:
Step 4 Apply
The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021.
1. Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme
Step 5 After you've applied
1. What happens after you’ve applied

Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status)

Overview

If you’re coming to the UK from Ukraine

Criteria for later deadlines and ‘reasonable grounds’ for not applying by the deadline

If you have not yet applied to the EU Settlement Scheme

How to protect your rights by applying

If you’re a joining family member

If you get a written notice from Immigration Enforcement

If you already have pre-settled status

If you’re waiting for a decision

Fees

Step 1 Check if you need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme

Step 2 Find out what status you’ll get

Step 3 Check what you’ll need to apply

Step 4 Apply

Step 5 After you've applied

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Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status)

Overview

If you’re coming to the UK from Ukraine

Criteria for later deadlines and ‘reasonable grounds’ for not applying by the deadline

If you have not yet applied to the EU Settlement Scheme

How to protect your rights by applying

If you’re a joining family member

If you get a written notice from Immigration Enforcement

If you already have pre-settled status

If you’re waiting for a decision

Fees

Part of Stay in the UK ('settled status'): step by step

Step 1: Check if you need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme

Step 2: Find out what status you’ll get

Step 3: Check what you’ll need to apply

Step 4: Apply

Step 5: After you've applied

Is this page useful?

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

Step 1 Check if you need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme

Step 2 Find out what status you’ll get

Step 3 Check what you’ll need to apply

Step 4 Apply

Step 5 After you've applied