Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove urges all who are eligible to apply now to the EU Settlement Scheme
The EU Settlement Scheme deadline is 30 June 2021.
You usually need to apply to stay in the UK if you’re from the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
You also usually need to apply if you are the family member of someone who is from the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
You can still currently apply for ‘pre-settled status’ or ‘settled status’ under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Once you’ve got either pre-settled or settled status you will have a right to:
- stay in the UK
- work
- study
- use the NHS
- rent a home
After 30 June 2021 you might be asked to prove your right to do things like get a job or use the NHS
Jo Carden, Chief Executive at Citizens Advice Brighton and Hove, says:
“We advise hundreds of residents each year about their immigration status. We’re finding that many people aren’t aware that they need to apply to the scheme before the 30 June deadline – including those that have permanent residence status under previous EU schemes.”
If you get settled status, you’ll also have the right to claim benefits. If you get pre-settled status, the rules are more complicated.
You might also be able to apply for British citizenship, but it’s best to apply for pre-settled or settled status first – it’s faster and it’s free. You might also find it easier to apply for citizenship after you get settled status.
If you’re already a British or Irish citizen, you don’t need to apply to stay in the UK. If you have family members who aren’t British or Irish, you should check if your family can stay in the UK.
More information:
See the Citizens Advice website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/immigration/staying-in-the-uk-if-youre-from-the-eu/
Apply to the scheme: