Brexit

As you’ll be aware, there’s been a lot of worry about Brexit and the impact on European workers in the UK.

Below are some key points regarding applying to the EU Settlement Scheme (directly from the government website) which hopefully ease your mind:

  • The EU settlement scheme begins on 30th March 2019
  • To apply, you must have been living in the UK before December 2020
  • If it’s a no-deal Brexit then to apply you must have been living in the UK before 29th March 2019
  • The deadline for applications is June 2021
  • If it’s a no-deal Brexit then the deadline is still over a year away – December 2020
  • Applications can be made now but there will be a (refundable) charge of £65 for those who are 16+ years old and £32.50 for under 16’s
  • From 30th March 2019 there will be no fee (so it’s probably best to wait until then to apply)
  • You will need a valid passport, biometric residence card or biometric residence permit to make the application (there are also some other steps which you can find out more about on the government website)
  • Leading up to the 29th March 2019, you will only be able to use an android to make the application but after the test phase you can use any device i.e. laptop, iPhone etc

Settled / Pre-Settled Status

When your application is processed you will be given either a ‘settled’ or a ‘pre-settled’ status.

  • Settled Status – To be given the settled status, you need to have lived in the UK for 5 years (by December 2020 not the 29th March 2019) and spent at least 6 months of each year in the UK. The only exception will be if there is a known security risk or a serious criminal conviction.
  • Settled Status – You will have the same rights to healthcare, benefits, education and pensions as a British Citizen
  • Pre-Settled Status – This status is given if you have not lived in the UK for 5 years and allows you to stay in the UK until you hit the 5 year mark, you would then need to claim ‘settled’ status after this time
  • Pre-Settled Status – You will have the same rights to healthcare, benefits, education and pensions as a British Citizen

If you haven’t looked already, you can go to the government website below to prepare for applying and if we’re able to help with anything, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’ll contact if there’s anything required by the organisation in terms of the EU Settlement Scheme.

https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status