BACK TO NEWSAn application to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 for those eligible, secures existing rights in UK law until a status is granted, so we’re urging eligible to people to apply now, and not to delay. Applications can be made at:
There have been over 5 million grants of pre-settled or settled status, allowing millions of citizens to continue to work, study, and access free healthcare and benefits in the UK after 30 June 2021.
Local authorities have a key role to play in ensuring that applications are made on behalf of all eligible looked after children and care leavers and will need to ensure that applications are made on behalf of all looked after children who are EU, EEA or Swiss citizens and for whom they have parental responsibility (PR).
Local authorities should further ensure that care leavers and those children in care whereby the LA does not have PR are also made aware of the need to make an application, offering practical support where needed.
Foster carers who are unsure about any actions that they may need to take in relation to an EU national
child should speak to their social worker in the first instance.
Time is running out. If applications are not made, those eligible could lose their existing rights to live, work and access free healthcare and benefits in the UK.
Key points to remember in the run up to the deadline
If an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and their family members have lived in the UK for many years or have a permanent residence document or EEA Biometric Residence Card (BRC), they still need to apply to the EUSS (or apply for British Citizenship) by 30 June 2021.
An application to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June secures your existing rights in UK law until you’re granted a status, it usually takes around 5 working days for complete applications to be processed, but it can take up to a month. Some cases may take longer to process applications if they are more complex, such as where the person has a relevant criminal record.
Those who have successfully applied to the EUSS can access their pre-settled or settled status online, update their personal details, and get a ‘share code’ to prove their status to others at www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status. More information and guidance can be found in the guide for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens on viewing and proving their immigration status.
Individuals with status under the EUSS should ensure that they update their online account with all valid travel documents (such as passports or national identity cards) that they hold and intend to use for travel, to avoid any unnecessary delays at the border. They can do this online by going to www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
The Home Office have published non-exhaustive guidance on reasonable grounds for missing the deadline on GOV.UK. Examples of reasonable grounds include instances where a person had a serious medical condition, which meant they were unable to apply by the relevant deadline, or someone who is isolated, vulnerable or did not have the digital skills to access the application process.
Thank you for your continued support in assisting EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens to apply to the EUSS, helping to secure their future in the UK.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-eu-settlement-scheme-guidance-for-applicants
Help (postcode checker):
https://www.gov.uk/help-eu-settlement-scheme
Organisations providing support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-community-support-for-vulnerable-citizens/list-of-organisations
Settlement
Resolution Centre:
0300 790 0566 (for councils and organisations helping to make applications on behalf of others)
