The European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) has provided 5.7 million citizens from the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, along with their families, the essential status to live and work in the UK after Brexit. Applicants can obtain either pre-settled or settled status: pre-settled status is designated for those who have resided in the UK for fewer than five years, whereas settled status is for those who have stayed for at least five years.
Holders of pre-settled status are required to reapply after five years to transition to settled status.
To streamline this process, the Home Office plans to automatically upgrade eligible pre-settled status holders to settled status starting in late January 2025. Those with pre-settled status will be informed if they qualify, and the Home Office will conduct checks to confirm eligibility, which will include verifying residency and checking criminal records.
This automation will be expanded later in 2025, and additional guidance will be provided for cases where pre-settled status holders no longer meet the requirements. In the meantime, pre-settled status holders can still apply for settled status manually if eligible, without waiting for automatic conversion.
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