Post Brexit EU Citizens Settlement Scheme

Post Brexit, EU Citizens will need to apply for ‘Settled Status’ if they want to stay in the UK. The Home Office have said they want to keep the application process “short, simple and user friendly” with a default position of accepting rather than rejecting applications.

Applicants will be asked to prove their identity, that they have no convictions, and that they currently live in the UK. The answers will then be compared to a database with the aim of giving the quickest answer possible.

The intention is for applications to be made online or event via smart phones.

Applications will cost £65 per adult, with children half price. EU citizens will be issued with an ID number, but not a physical card, which they will be required to use for public services such as the NHS and possibly employment and property rental checks.

Carers, stay-at-home parents, retired people and students are eligible for settled status with no proof of income. Irish citizens will not have to apply but will have to provide proof of residency if they have non-EU spouses who want to remain in the UK.

Applicants will be asked to submit their passport or ID cards along with a passport or digital photograph and the Home Office will then automatically check Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) records for proof they have been living in the UK.

Anyone with a criminal record involving a jail sentence of more than 12 months is at risk of being rejected.

Those in the country for less than five years will be granted “pre-settled status” which can be swapped for a full “settled status” ID after five years. The new status will also be considered a route to British citizenship, ending the need for EU citizens presently in the country to go through the permanent residency process.

Close family members, defined as “spouse, civil partner, durable partner, dependent child or grandchild or dependent parent or grandparent living overseas” will be allowed to join those with settled status under a “lifetime right” of EU citizens already in the country.

To discuss this or anything else, please contact Juliet Mellues on 01793 818300 or send her an email