Key Highlights
- The UK Settled Status is a protective measure for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens and their families residing in the UK, allowing them to continue living and working in the country post-Brexit.
- Checking your UK settled status is a simple process that can be done online through the government website.
- You need your email address or phone number used during the EU Settlement Scheme application.
- You can share your status using a secure share code with employers, landlords, or other relevant parties.
- In case of issues, the EU Settlement Scheme Resolution Centre can provide assistance.
- Keeping your contact and identity document information up-to-date is crucial.
The UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) led to the creation of the EU Settlement Scheme. This program helps EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, along with their families, to have legal residence in the UK after Brexit. The Home Office gives people in this scheme ‘settled status’ or ‘pre-settled status.’ This guide explains how to check your settled status online and what it means for you.
Understanding the UK Settled Status
The UK Settled Status is a type of immigration status given under the EU Settlement Scheme. This status allows people to live, work, study, and use public services like healthcare in the UK. It is important for those who are not British citizens but lived in the UK by December 31, 2020, as part of the EU Settlement Scheme.
This status helps EU citizens and their families keep their rights and residence in the UK, even after the UK left the EU. To get this status, you must go through an application process. It is critical for making sure your future in the UK is secure.
What is Settled Status and Who Needs It?
Settled Status gives you the right to stay in the UK forever. There are no limits on how long you can stay. To qualify, you usually need to live in the UK for 5 years without breaks, which is called ‘continuous residence,’ following the EU Settlement Scheme rules.
This status matters a lot for people from the EU, EEA (European Economic Area), or Switzerland, along with their family members, who lived in the UK before the Brexit deadline of December 31, 2020. If these people do not apply for and get a decision on their status through the EU Settlement Scheme, they might lose the right to live, work, and use benefits in the UK.
The Difference Between Pre-Settled and Settled Status
There are two types of status under the EU Settlement Scheme: settled status and pre-settled status. Both statuses give similar rights, but they differ in how long they last and who can get them.
Pre-settled status is for people who have lived in the UK for less than 5 years when the EU Settlement Scheme ends. This status lets them live and work in the UK for another 5 years. During this time, they can build up the time needed to apply for settled status.
Settled status gives you indefinite leave to remain. This means you have more permanent residency rights. It is important to know which status is for you to properly manage your time in the UK.
The Application Process for UK Settled Status
Applying for the UK Settled Status is a simple process. You mainly handle it online. You need to give your personal information, show that you live in the UK, and verify your identity.
You can apply and check how your application is going by following the steps on the government website.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Settled Status
To apply for settled status, follow these steps:
- Application: Go to the GOV.UK website. Find the EU Settlement Scheme application. Fill it out carefully and provide all the required details and documents.
- Identity Verification: You will need to verify who you are. Usually, you can use the “EU Exit: ID Document Check” app. Don’t forget to include a digital photo.
- Submission: After you submit your EU Settlement Scheme application, the Home Office may ask for more documents to help your case.
- Decision: When your application is processed, you will get an email or letter from them. This will confirm if your application is approved or not.
Be sure to keep a copy of your application reference number and all emails or letters for your records.
Documents Required for the Application
When you apply for settled status, you usually need to provide:
- Proof of Identity: This can be a valid passport, a national identity card from an EEA country, or a biometric residence card.
- Proof of Residence: You will need documents that show you have lived continuously in the UK. These can include bank statements, utility bills like gas or electricity, or rental agreements.
- National Insurance Number: This is important for checking your tax and residency records.
- Other Supporting Documents: Depending on your situation, you might need to show more documents such as a marriage certificate for spouses or a birth certificate for any children included in your application.
Make sure to check the document requirements on GOV.UK before you send in your application.
Checking Your Settled Status Online
After you apply and get confirmation from the Home Office, you can easily check your settled status online. The UK government offers a safe platform for you to see your immigration status. This keeps your information private and easy to access.
With this online service, you do not need any physical documents. You can get access to your status anytime you need it.
How to Access Your UK Immigration Status Through the Government Website
Checking your immigration status on GOV.UK is easy. Here’s what you need to do:
- Access the Service: Go to the UK government website (GOV.UK) and look for ‘view your immigration status.’
- Log in/Create an Account: If you have a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, log in with your email address and password. If you don’t, you can quickly create one with your email address.
- View Your Status: After logging in, find the ‘Immigration Status’ section. Here, you can see your immigration status, like your settled status or pre-settled status.
It’s a good idea to download or print a copy of your status for future reference.
Troubleshooting Common Problems When Checking Status Online
While checking your status online is usually easy, here are some tips to help with common problems:
- Incorrect Email Address or Phone Number: Make sure you are using the email address and phone number from your EU Settlement Scheme application. You can change these details online if you need to.
- Forgotten Password: If you forget your UKVI account password, use the ‘forgotten password’ option to reset it.
- Technical Errors: If you face any technical issues on the website or app, try again later or clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
If the problems keep happening, contact the EU Settlement Scheme Resolution Centre by phone or email for more help.
Updating Your Information Post Status Grant
Life is always changing. Our personal information can shift, even after we get our settled or pre-settled status.
It’s important to know when and how to update this data with the Home Office. This helps prevent any problems later on.
When and How to Update Your Personal Details
Keeping your information up to date with the Home Office is very important. You must update:
- Email Address and Phone Number: If your contact details change, update them right away using your UKVI account.
- Identity Documents: If your passport or national identity card expires or gets renewed, you must also update this on your UKVI account.
- Name or Address: If you change your name (like from marriage) or address, make sure this is updated in your Home Office records.
If you do not update these details, you might have problems with services or proving your rights in the UK.
Switching from Pre-Settled to Settled Status
If you have pre-settled status, you may be able to change to settled status after living in the UK for 5 years. Here are the steps to apply for the change:
- Check Eligibility: You can find a full guide on required qualifications and documents on the GOV.UK website.
- Apply Online: You can change your status online using your current UKVI account.
- Show Evidence: Be ready to provide proof that you have lived continuously in the UK during your pre-settled status.
If your application is refused, you can ask for an administrative review within 28 days of getting the decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Do If Your Settled Status Application Is Delayed?
If you have delays, stay calm. You can check for updates with your application reference. The Home Office might get in touch if they need more information. If you still have concerns, you can contact the EU Settlement Scheme Resolution Centre by email or phone.
Can Family Members Also Check Their Status Through My Account?
No, every family member needs their own UKVI account to see their individual immigration status. If someone needs to check their status, like a landlord or an employer, you can give them their unique “share code.”
