EU Settlement Scheme
The deadline to apply for the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was 30 June 2021 for most people. You can still apply if either:
- you have a later deadline - for example, you joined a family member in the UK who was living in the UK by 31 December 2021.
- you have 'reasonable grounds' for being unable to apply by 30 June 2021 - for example, you had an illness or were the victim of domestic abuse.
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) is for EU (European Union), EEA (European Economic Area) or Swiss citizens who wish to continue to live, work and study in the UK. You do not need to apply to the scheme if you are an Irish Citizen or have indefinite leave to remain.
The EEA includes the EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Support in Kirklees
For most people the application process is straightforward, but for others it can be more complicated. If you or someone you know is having difficulties with the application process, then Kirklees Citizens Advice and Law Centre may be able to help: Kirklees Citizens Advice and Law Centre: EU Settlement Scheme .
Their advice is free and they may be able to offer guidance and support through the application process.
Getting settled
If you have made a home here in Kirklees and you are living, working or studying here, it is important that you apply to the EUSS to protect your rights in the UK.
Equally, if you know anyone who should apply for the EUSS, make sure they know about the scheme and point them in the direction of the support available.
Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status) advises on the scheme.
Settled status for EU citizens and their families: translations explains the scheme in various languages.
Applying for the scheme
Applying for pre-settled and settled status gives advice from Citizens Advice on the application process and where to go for digital support.
Waiting for a decision can be daunting but do not worry if you do not hear something straight away. It usually takes around five days for an application to be reviewed and for a decision to be made. However, it can take up to a month.
Applying to the scheme is free. If you applied to the scheme before Brexit and paid a fee, you can claim EU Settlement Scheme: application fee refunds .
How to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme
Fill in the online form.
Apply to the EU Settlement SchemeWhat happens after you apply
If accepted you will receive either 'settled' or 'pre-settled' status. If you have lived in the UK continuously for a five-year period you are likely to receive settled status.
If you have not lived in the UK continuously for five years, you may receive pre-settled status - providing you moved to the UK before 31 December 2020. Pre-settled status allows you to live and work in the UK for a further five years, you can then apply for settled status.
Guidance for employers
If you employ any migrant workers then it is vital you know about the EU Settlement Scheme, although the scheme is for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, those who are related to EU citizens can apply too.
EU Settlement Scheme: introduction for employers explains what the scheme means to you as an employer, provides helpful resources for communicating the scheme and gives advice on how to support your employees.
Improving your English
Learning a new language can be difficult, especially when you have other things to do. But, having a good level of English could give you access to better opportunities in the UK.
Better levels of English could give you more confidence in your daily life. It may open doors to try new activities, and enhance your career opportunities.
For support and advice on learning English, as well as building existing skills, visit This Way for English or drop-in at one of their hubs to find out more, everyone is welcome.
The Welcome Mentor programme has been developed to offer a volunteer support and befriending service to help reduce some of the barriers and alleviate the feeling of isolation for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in Kirklees.
Visit Welcome Mentors to find out how you can get involved.
Proof of residence
Are you struggling to provide proof of residence for the last five years? Some applicants may have difficulties because bills and bank accounts are in their partner's name, however this should not be a problem.
- EU Settlement Scheme: evidence of UK residence has examples of what you can use as proof of residence.
- If for example, documents are in your partner's name and you cannot find other forms of proof, the Home Office will work with the evidence you do have to confirm the time you have lived in the UK. Contact them when completing the application if you are unsure.
- Elke has lived in the UK for 50 years and was experiencing a similar issue.
You can still apply for the scheme even if you have not lived in the UK for five years
- If you do not have five years' continuous residence when you apply, you will usually get pre-settled status. You must have started living in the UK by 31 December 2020.
- You can stay in the UK for a further five years from the date you get pre-settled status.
- You can then apply for settled status once you have five years' continuous residence.
If you will have reached five years' continuous residence at some point before 31 December 2020, you can choose to wait to apply until you reach five years' continuous residence.
- This means that if your application is successful, you will get settled status without having to apply for pre-settled status first.