What is the EU Settlement Scheme?
The EU Settlement Scheme was introduced by the UK government to allow European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss citizens to secure their immigration status in the UK. This scheme was introduced after the EU referendum where citizens and general public in the UK voted to be out of EU. This was commonly known as Brexit which was formally completed on 31th December 2020.
The criteria for this scheme were that EU, EEA or Swiss citizens and their family member should have been residing in the UK by the 31st Dec 2020 and also to children born after the 31st of December 2020 to parents who had settled status in UK.
Types of EU Settlement Scheme
There are two statuses recognized for the EU settlement scheme, Pre-Settled and Settled status:
· Pre-settled status could be applied by EU/EEA or Swiss citizens if they had lived in the UK for less than 5 years at the time of the application. This would allow them to stay in the UK for another 5 years, after which they can apply for Settled Status.
· For Settled Status, EU citizens who had lived in the UK for 5 years or more at the date of the application could apply for Settled Status. This status would grant them indefinite leave to remain in the UK. With settled status.
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Key Features of EU Settlement Scheme
· Individuals with Settled Status can remain in the UK indefinitely, and their rights are similar to those of British citizens in terms of healthcare, social security, and education. After 5 years, they could apply for British citizenship as well
Deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme
· The deadline for applying to the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021 and there are several individuals who have still not applied to the scheme as of yet.
· However, the individuals who have missed this deadline could still apply if they have reasonable grounds to explain as to why this deadline was missed. These grounds should also cover the period since the deadline had passed.
· These grounds could be on the lines of medical evidence such as a letter from a doctor or a healthcare professional explaining how those medical grounds or care needs stopped you from applying earlier. These grounds could be in form of a court document in form of a supporting evidence for people victim of domestic violence, or an abusive or controlling relationship which stopped you from applying. Or a letter explaining the reasons for the delay from a parent, guardian in case of a child application.
Additional information
· Moreover, these individuals need to have proof of their identity, prove their continuous residence in the UK and also prove their relationship to the family member eligible under the EU Settlement Scheme, if they are applying to join or remain with them in the UK.
· Moreover, Family Members of EU/EEA and Swiss citizens such as spouse, civil partner, child or parent could also apply for either Settled or Pre-Settled Status, even if they are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen. Some of benefits considerable benefits of the EU Settlement Scheme are that those applicants could continue to live, work and access healthcare, public services and continue to travel in and out of UK easily. in the UK.
Key Takeaways
· It is best that you go through this process after consultation with an immigration advisor. Your rights will automatically be protected after you have applied and received your certificate of application to the EU Settlement Scheme.
· This certificate of application could be used to prove your rights in the UK and the good news is that this protection will last until you get a decision on your application or the outcome of an appeal.
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