European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

The UK’s departure from the European Union (EU) means EU, EEA (European Economic Area) and Swiss nationals need a new immigration status to continue to live, work and access public funds in the UK. The European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was set up so that people could retain their existing rights. The Scheme opened in 2019 and closed to general applications on 30 June 2021.

EUSS does not apply to Irish nationals who have residency rights by other means, but Irish people can apply if they want to. Dual nationals of the UK and an EU / EEA country or Switzerland do not need to apply.

Read the updates from Newcastle City Council on it’s European Union Settlement Scheme webpage.

Settled status

The Home Office can grant ‘Settled Status’ (Indefinite Right to Remain) to someone who has 5 years continuous residence in the UK before 1 July 2021. ‘Pre-Settled’ status (Limited Leave to Remain) is given to those with less time than that. People with Pre-Settled status should ‘upgrade’ to Settled Status as soon as they can. Failure to do so will affect their rights. Both of these awards enable a person to carry on living, in many of the same ways, as they did before.

For people who have applied but not had a decision, the Home Office says existing rights are preserved subject to a final approval on the application.

Late applications to the settlement scheme

For people yet to apply, there are specific and limited circumstances under which the Home Office will look at a late application, but reasonable grounds for not applying before the 30 June 2021 deadline must be demonstrated and as soon as possible to avoid any serious impact on your rights and benefits .

On 6th August 2021 the Government announced temporary protection for more applicants to the Scheme. People applying late and those joining family members will have their rights protected while their application is determined. This means you can:

• take up new employment
• rent property
• apply for benefits

It isn’t clear whether changes will follow in law, regulations or operational guidance to Home Office staff, but further detail is promised. Employers and landlords are asked to get in touch with Employer and Landlord Checking Services if they have a prospective employee or a tenant who has confirmation of a late application.

Read more advice on Newcastle City Council’s EUSS webpage. This includes where you can get help locally.

How to apply and help

Apply online. You can us any device to apply.

If you have pre-settled status already, you need to apply again when you’re changing your pre-settled status to settled status.

The EU Settlement Resolution Centre can help with your questions. Call 0300 123 7379.

There are 26 translations of the information and guidance on the Gov.UK website.

What happens after you apply?

People covered by the Scheme can expect to be asked to show digital status for activities such as applying for a job, a mortgage or private tenancy. They can do this through their ‘view and prove’ account.

Agencies including: NHS, HMRC and DWP have automatic access to records to check a person’s eligibility.

Private landlords and employers can confirm rights online.

Schools and nurseries do not need to check immigration status. But you are strongly urged to resolve immigration issues to avoid problems when a child later looks for a job or to enter training or higher education.

You do not need to declare your immigration status to register at a GP Surgery. Safe Surgeries are GP practices that are safe for everyone to use. You can register as a patient if you do not have proof of your: identification, address or immigration status or speak another language. They display posters so that you know the surgery is a safe place. Interpreters can be used if needed. For more information contact Doctors of the World UK

Last updated: June 14, 2023