In light of the UK’s decision to leave the EU, the UK have opened an immigration route for all EEA nationals (and in some cases their family members) living in the UK to register their residence. This route is known as the EU Settlement Scheme.
Who needs to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme before 30 June 2021?
Individuals residing in the UK prior to 1 January 2021 on the basis of a right derived from EU law must submit an application to transfer their permission to reside in the UK to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Any such person who is a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, along with their immediate family members, who wishes to carry on living in the UK must apply to the Scheme (even if they have a British spouse) by 30 June 2021. This includes all those who currently hold documents issued under the former EEA Regulations, such as an EEA Registration Certificate of EEA Document Certifying Permanent Residency.
Family members currently outside of the UK may still be able to make applications to join EEA family members after 30 June 2021.
What are the different routes available to an EEA citizen applying to the EU Settlement Scheme?
Settled Status is available to EEA nationals, or their dependants/family members, who have resided in the UK for a continuous period of five years. The Home Office define continuous residence as not having been absent from the UK for more than 6 months in any 12 month period.
Pre-Settled Status is granted to those who meet the requirements of the EU Settlement Scheme but have been living in the UK for less than a continuous period of five years.
How can Gherson help with applications to the EU Settlement Scheme?
If you instruct us to assist with your application, Gherson will assist with the entire process from start to finish. We will begin with providing you with our initial advice letter and a supporting documents checklist. We will then meet with you to enrol your biometrics using the EU Settlement Scheme mobile application. Thereafter, we will complete the online form on your behalf and upload your supporting documents to the Home Office. Assuming your application is approved, we will conclude with providing our post-approval advice letter, which will include comprehensive advice on how to maintain your status and meet the requirements for your next immigration application when the time comes.
What are Gherson’s fees to assist with applications under the EU Settlement Scheme?
Our fees for assisting with applications under the EU Settlement Scheme range from £1,000 – £2,000 (plus VAT), assuming you meet the requirements. However, if your application is complex, these fees may vary.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice on your individual circumstances, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date.
The information in these blogs is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in these blogs. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2021