Deadline for EU settlement Applications

On June 30, 2021, the deadline for individuals to apply to the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) passed. However, the Home Office will still accept applications from those who have “reasonable grounds” to believe that they missed the deadline.

Before the deadline on June 30, 2021, the EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who were residing in the UK were required to apply to the EU System for regulating the immigration status of their country. This requirement applies to everyone who had been granted permanent residence in the UK prior to the end of the previous EEA regulations.

Many people who had been granted a UK residence permit before the end of the previous EEA regulations were unaware that they would have to apply to the new system. This resulted in many individuals becoming unlawful migrants.

Due to the number of people who have already missed the deadline, we have compiled a series of practical FAQs to help those who were unaware of their obligation to apply.

What Documents to provide as evidence of residence?

• You’ll need to provide a document to show that you were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, unless you’re joining a family member in the UK after that date.
• For pre-settled status, you’ll also need to provide a document dated the last 6 months to show that you have not broken your continuous residence.

What are the Documents you cannot use as evidence?

You cannot use:

• photos and videos
• letters or references from family and friends
• greeting cards, for example, birthday cards
• postcards sent or received
• personal scrapbooks

What happens If you do not have enough evidence?

• The Home Office instruction provides that if the applicant has no evidence of residence In the UK for the requisite period, the Home Office will work with the Applicant to demonstrate the residence. This may be that they can make enquiries and exercise a certain degree of flexibility in accepting evicnede.

I have not lived continuously in the UK?

• For people who want to settle in the UK, they need to show that they have lived there for five continuous years. The length of time that people have been away from the UK can break the continuity of their residence. However, it is not always the case.

What may be regarded as Good reasons for Absence?

• During their five-year residence, individuals may be absent from the UK for up to 12 months due to an important reason.
• These include pregnancy, childbirth, study, or an overseas posting.
• For instance, you may have been away from the UK for a period of time while you were on a posting on the Crown Service