Latest update on the EU Settlement Scheme: Apply before 31 October 2019

Freedom of movement in its current form will come to an immediate end on this date and time, under a No-Deal Brexit. Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants urges EU clients to secure their status in the UK before this possible (and likely) departure date.

The EU Settlement Scheme allows EU, EEA, and Swiss Nationals and their eligible family members to apply for UK immigration status to remain in the UK post-Brexit. The EU Settlement Scheme allows persons to obtain Settled or Pre-Settled status. Applicants can receive settled status if they have lived in the UK for five years or more. Pre-Settled status can be obtained by those who have not completed the five-year qualifying period for Settled status.

As a contingency, the UK Government have also introduced a Temporary Leave to Remain route. This route will be available for applicants arriving after 31 October 2019. It will allow leave in the UK for three years. However, this temporary leave will not lead to status under the EU Settlement Scheme or Indefinite Leave to Remain.

The EU Settlement Scheme – FAQs

I am planning to relocate to the UK  as an EU citizen. By what date do I have to be in the UK to qualify under the EU Settlement Scheme?

At this stage, it seems like the UK is likely heading towards a no-deal Brexit. Breytenbachs strongly advise that all EU passport holders enter the UK before 31 October 2019, should they want to be included under the current EU Settlement Scheme.

I recently obtained Permanent Residency in the UK. As an EU citizen, do I need to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme?

All EEA Nationals and dependent family members who wish to remain in the UK after the exit date will need to make an application under the EU Settlement Scheme. This also includes individuals who currently hold Permanent Residency in the UK unless they have since obtained British Citizenship after holding Permanent Residency. If you currently hold a Permanent Residence Card, you will automatically qualify for Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

To maintain status under the EU Settlement Scheme once granted, you will need to return to the UK at least every five years for those who have been granted Settled Status and at least every two years for those with Pre-Settled Status.

What rights will I have when I receive settled status as an EU citizen?

When an EU citizen is granted Settled or Pre-Settled status, they will be able to;

• Work in the UK;
• Use the NHS;
• Enroll in education or continue studying;
• Access public funds such as benefits and pensions, if you’re eligible for them;
• Travel in and out of the UK.

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes, without giving any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. For more information, please send an email to info@bic-immigration.com or visit the Breytenbachs website at www.bic-immigration.com

We are inviting EU clients to get in touch as soon as possible to discuss with our experienced consultants how to best protect their status in the UK ahead of a No-Deal Brexit. Please contact us without delay at info@bic-immigration.com