Can I still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme?
Short answer
Yes, if you have reasonable grounds for missing the 30 June 2021 deadline — and simply not knowing about the scheme is generally accepted. You must show you were resident in the UK before 31 December 2020. Apply as soon as possible, with whatever evidence of residence you have.
The EU Settlement Scheme protects the rights of EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who were living in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020. The main deadline of 30 June 2021 has passed, but late applications remain possible where there are reasonable grounds for the delay.
Late applications
The bar is not high. Not having known about the scheme is generally accepted, as are illness, caring responsibilities and being a child whose parent failed to apply. What matters is applying now rather than waiting longer, and evidencing residence before the cut-off date — tenancy agreements, payslips, bank statements, GP or school records, utility bills.
Settled and pre-settled status
- Settled status is equivalent to indefinite leave to remain: indefinite residence, and a path to British citizenship.
- Pre-settled status is granted to those with under five years’ residence and must be converted to settled status. Apply as soon as you reach five years of continuous residence — do not wait for the expiry date. The Home Office has automatically extended many pre-settled statuses to prevent inadvertent expiry, but that is a safety net, not a plan.
If pre-settled status does expire without conversion, you lose your EUSS rights and would need a late application with reasonable grounds, or an application under the ordinary immigration rules — a far more expensive route.
Absences, and who does not need the scheme
Continuity of residence matters while you hold pre-settled status: an absence of more than six months in any 12-month period will generally break it and reset the clock towards settled status. Exceptions exist for important reasons such as serious illness, study abroad or work abroad for a UK employer, but they must be evidenced — take advice before a long trip rather than after it.
Irish citizens do not need the scheme: their right to live and work in the UK comes from the Common Travel Area. They can apply if they want a digital status record, but most have no need to. You can check your current status and its expiry at any time through the UKVI online checking service, and generate a share code for landlords and employers.
Related guides
EU Settlement Scheme
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was created to protect the rights of EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals living in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020. The scheme is now closed to most new applications (the deadline was 30 June 2021), but late applications can still be made with a valid reason for missing the deadline.
6 min
EUSS Family Permit
The EUSS Family Permit allows certain family members of people with EU Settlement Scheme status (settled or pre-settled) to travel to the UK and then apply to join them under the scheme. It is a temporary entry clearance document rather than a settlement status in its own right.
5 min
Settlement and Indefinite Leave to Remain
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — also called settlement — gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK for an indefinite period without immigration restrictions. ILR is a significant step on the pathway to British citizenship and provides much greater security than any time-limited visa. However, ILR can be lost if you spend extended periods outside the UK.
8 min
British Citizenship Basics
British citizenship can be obtained in several ways — by birth, descent, registration, or naturalisation. The most common route for immigrants is naturalisation, which is available to most people who have lived lawfully in the UK for at least five years (or three years if married to a British citizen). Becoming a British citizen gives you the right to a British passport, the right to vote in all UK elections, and the ability to pass citizenship to your children.
7 min
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