Immigration law
EU Settlement Scheme
Your rights from before Brexit, secured properly, even if you are applying late.
The Home Office is now upgrading more pre-settled holders automatically, and has started reviewing, and removing, pre-settled status where continuous residence was not kept. Rules checked October 2026.
Is this you?
Who this is for
- You missed the 30 June 2021 deadline and need to apply late
- You hold pre-settled status and want settled status
- You are a family member joining an EU citizen with status
- You received a letter questioning your residence
What the rules require
- Late applications
- Accepted only where there are reasonable grounds for the whole delay.
- Settled status
- Usually 5 years' continuous residence.
- Automatic upgrade
- Some holders are now upgraded automatically using tax and benefit records. Not everyone qualifies.
- Joining family
- Close family members of people with status may still apply to join them.
A summary, not legal advice. The Immigration Rules change often; we confirm what applies on your application date.
Free first step
10 minutes with a solicitor about your eu settlement scheme matter.
Prepare
Your document checklist
Tick off what you already have. Bring the rest to mind before your consultation, and we'll tell you what really matters for your case.
0 of 6 ready
A general guide. Your solicitor confirms exactly what your case needs. Your ticks are saved on this device only.
The process
How it works
- 1Status checkWe check what you hold now and whether an automatic upgrade could apply.
- 2Reasons for delayFor late applications, we evidence the whole period of delay.
- 3ApplicationOnline, with residence evidence.
- 4Certificate of applicationProtects your rights while the application is pending.
- 5DecisionIf refused, EUSS decisions carry a right of appeal.
Fixed.
How our fees work
After your free consultation we quote a fixed fee in writing, covering exactly what we will do. Home Office fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are paid separately to the government, and we tell you the current amounts before you commit.
Free
Your first 10 minutes with a solicitor.
In writing
A fixed fee for the agreed work, before anything starts.
No surprises
Government fees quoted up front and paid to the Home Office.
FAQs
EU Settlement Scheme: your questions
Still unsure? A ten-minute call usually settles it.
Can I still apply after the 2021 deadline?
Yes, if you have reasonable grounds for the whole delay. Examples include serious illness, a parent or guardian failing to apply for a child, and abuse. Simple oversight is not usually enough.
Will my pre-settled status upgrade automatically?
Possibly. Since April 2026 the Home Office checks tax and benefit records for 30 months in the last 60. Non-EEA family members, joining family members and children are among those who must still apply.
The Home Office says I haven't lived here continuously. What do I do?
Take it seriously and respond within the time given, usually 28 days. Travel records are often incomplete. We help you prove your residence.
Can my family join me?
Close family members, such as a spouse or child, may be able to apply as joining family members. Relationships formed after 2020 are treated differently. We check eligibility.