EU Settled Status — EU Settlement Scheme Applications
Post-Brexit support for EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals and their families applying for Settled or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Updated
What Is the EU Settlement Scheme?
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) allows EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens — and their eligible family members — who were resident in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period to continue living, working, and studying in the UK lawfully. It grants one of two statuses: settled status or pre-settled status.
Settled vs Pre-Settled Status
Settled status is granted to applicants who have completed five years of continuous residence in the UK. It is equivalent to Indefinite Leave to Remain — you can live and work without restriction, access public services, and it is a route to British citizenship.
Pre-settled status is granted to those with less than five years’ continuous residence. It is normally extended automatically by five years before it expires. The Home Office may also convert eligible holders to settled status automatically. Check your digital status and keep your contact and identity-document details up to date.
Late Applications
The original deadline to apply was 30 June 2021. However, the Home Office continues to accept late applications where the applicant has reasonable grounds for missing the deadline — for example, where they were a child, lacked capacity, had other circumstances that prevented a timely application; lack of awareness alone is not automatically sufficient.
Late applications must be evidenced carefully. We advise on whether your circumstances amount to reasonable grounds and prepare the application to give it the best prospects of success.
Upgrading to Settled Status
Holders of pre-settled status can apply to switch to settled status once they reach five years of continuous residence. While the Home Office automatically extends and, in some cases, converts pre-settled status, you should not rely on automatic conversion alone — particularly if citizenship is your goal. We review your residence history and advise on the right time to apply.
Family Members
Eligible family members of EU Settlement Scheme holders — spouses and partners, children, and certain dependent relatives — may apply to join or remain with them in the UK, subject to relationship and date requirements. These family applications can be complex, and we advise on family permits and the evidence required.
How LegumLex Helps
- Advising on eligibility for settled or pre-settled status
- Evidencing continuous residence correctly
- Preparing late applications with reasonable-grounds representations
- Upgrading pre-settled to settled status at the right time
- Family member applications and EU Settlement Scheme family permits
- Advising on the route from settled status to British citizenship
Where an application is refused, we also advise on available appeal and refusal options. All work is delivered on a fixed-fee basis — see our full fee schedule.
Official Guidance
Common Questions
What is the difference between settled and pre-settled status?
Settled status is granted to those with five years' continuous residence and is equivalent to Indefinite Leave to Remain. Pre-settled status is granted to those with less than five years and is normally extended automatically by five years before expiry. Qualification for settled status depends on the applicable residence rules.
Can I still apply if I missed the deadline?
Possibly. The main deadline was 30 June 2021, but late applications are accepted where you have reasonable grounds for missing it. We advise on whether your circumstances qualify and how to present a late application.
How do I upgrade from pre-settled to settled status?
Once you have five years' continuous residence, you can apply to switch from pre-settled to settled status. The Home Office also automatically converts some pre-settled holders, but you should not rely on this alone — we can review your position.
Can my family members join me?
Eligible family members — including spouses, partners, children, and some dependent relatives — may apply to join an EU Settlement Scheme holder, subject to the relationship and date requirements. We advise on family permits and applications.
This page provides general information about EU Settlement Scheme and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, please contact us for a consultation.
Securing Your Status After Brexit?
We offer a short initial call, free of charge, to understand your enquiry and explain how we can help. Where detailed advice or a document review is required, we offer a paid consultation and confirm the fee beforehand.