From 1 July 2021 citizens (and their families) of the European Union, European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein ) and Switzerland, need a valid immigration status to be in the UK, work, rent, study and access healthcare, benefits and pensions.
On 16th July, the Government published updated advice and guidance relating to the EU Settlement Scheme. Whether you have been granted settled status, applied but have not had a decision yet, did not apply, did not apply but still want to, please read on for links to this important updated guidance and also for local support available.
EU Settlement Scheme
The United Kingdom (UK) has left the European Union (EU) and the rules on free movement of people no longer applies to the UK. The deadline to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme was 30th June 2021. The scheme is for people living in the UK (by 31 December 2020) who are citizens of: All European Union countries; Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland (European Economic Area countries); and Switzerland. People did not need to apply for status if they had indefinite leave to enter or remain already or are an Irish citizen.
There was a lot of publicity about the scheme from last year with partners across the country, region and the city, including International Newcastle, sharing information and guidance and encouraging people to apply before the deadline.
Since 1 July 2021, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members have to evidence their right to be in the UK by having a valid UK immigration status, as well as to provide proof of their rights to work, to rent private or social housing (if resident in England), and access benefits. For those who did not apply or are not granted settled status, your rights in UK law are not protected. This includes your rights to work, study and access benefits and services in the UK.
Updated Government guidance
The Government has issued updated, detailed information, links and guidance on the scheme for people who have applied, those who have been granted settled status, those where the decisions are pending, but also for people who did not apply and those who did not apply, but want to make a late application.
This includes links and guidance for:
- Late applications
- Pending applications made by the deadline and how to prove your immigration status until a decision is made
- Switching from pre-settled to settled status
- Using your immigration status (eVisa)
- Right to work checks
- Right to rent checks
- Family members
- Late applications for children
- Travel out of the UK
Updated advice – Newcastle City Council
Newcastle City Council has provided a useful update of its EU Settlement Scheme webpage with guidance and links, including national and local support.
Please note that this information is not legal advice and is provided to help people make their own decisions about what action they may need to take.
The Council’s webpage covers the following questions and provide relevant links to information and guidance:
- What is the EU Settlement Scheme?
- Can I still apply?
- Who can make a late application?
- How do I make a late application?
- What will happen after I apply?
- What if my application is unsuccessful?
- Where can I get help? (local and NE organisations who can provide with late applications or an administrative review, or if your application has been refused)
- How do I prove I have settled or pre-settled status?
- Is there anything else I need to do? (keeping records up to date, Home Office, mortgages, landlords, GP, medial services, employers)
- How do I move from pre-settled to settled status?
- Will there be any changes at the border?
- Can I check an employee’s EUSS status? (including link to Right to Work guidance and website)
- Can I check a tenant’s EUSS status?
- Useful information (including protection under the Equalities Act and other UK law, national contact for the EUSS Resolution Centre, travel and immigration status checks)