EU Settlement Scheme

The European Union (EU) Settlement Scheme

All European Union, European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss citizens (and their families) must apply to the Settlement Scheme if you want to remain living in the UK after 30 June 2021. EEA countries include Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

The EU Settlement Scheme is open now and the deadline for applying is 30th June 2021. You must have started living in the UK on or before 31st December 2020.

People who do not need to apply

Irish citizens and those who have ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’. The EU Settlement Scheme has two types of status:

• Settled Status
• Pre-settled Status

The right one for you will depend on the length of time you have been in the UK.

You should apply for Settled Status if:

• You have lived in the UK for a continuous 5-year period (known as ‘continuous residence’)

You should apply for Pre-settled Status if :

• You have not lived in the UK for 5 years continuously

You can stay in the UK for a further 5 years from the date you get Pre-settled Status. If this applies to you, then you should have already submitted an application if not, then we strongly recommend you do this now.

Settled or Pre-settled Status allows you to:

• Work in the UK
• Use the NHS for free as you do now
• Enrol in education or continue studying
• Access public funds such as benefits and pensions, if you’re eligible for them
• Travel in and out of the UK

If you have children after applying

• If you get Settled Status any children born in the UK will automatically become British citizens.
• If you get Pre-settled Status any children born in the UK will be automatically eligible for Pre-settled Status. They will only become a British citizen if they qualify for it through their other parent.

If you want to spend time outside the UK

• If you have Settled Status you can spend up to 5 years outside the UK without losing your status. If you’re a Swiss citizen, you and your family members can spend up to 4 years outside the UK without losing your Settled Status.
• If you have Pre-settled Status, you can spend up to 2 years outside the UK without losing your status. You will need to maintain your continuous residence if you want to qualify for Settled Status.

If you want to bring family members to the UK

Close family members were able to join you in the UK before 31 December 2020 (or before 31 December 2025 for spouses and civil partners of Swiss citizens). They’ll need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme once they’re here.

If you cannot bring your family member under the EU Settlement Scheme, they may still be able to come to the UK in a different way (for example, on a family visa).

For more information please check the UK Government’s website www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families or the Scottish Governments website  https://www.mygov.scot/brexit/eu-citizens-scotland/

If you need help with an application or advice, then please contact Citizens Advice.

You can find out more on their website here https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/immigration/preparing-to-apply-for-pre-settled-and-settled-status/

Citizens Advice Scotland Alloa - https://www.clackscab.org.uk/

Citizens Advice and Rights Fife - https://www.cabfife.org.uk/