Executive Summary
The UK Government has published a Technical Note on the administrative procedures that will apply to EU citizens once the United Kingdom leaves the European Union. The note contains the clearest and most favourable statement so far of the intended approach of the Home Office on the new ‘settled status’ visa category available to EU citizens in the United Kingdom.
The situation
More information available on EU citizens’ rights post Brexit
A closer look
The UK Government has published a Technical Note on the administrative procedures that will apply to EU citizens once the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.
A key point is a new ‘settled status’, similar to permanent residency in other countries. The highlights of this status include:
- Streamlined application process. The note confirms the Government’s intention to implement a new, streamlined digital application process for settled status applications. This includes verification of economic activity with other government departments and reduced documentary requirements.
- Two-year window. The United Kingdom estimates that individuals will have a two-year period to make an application after exit.
- Conditions. The United Kingdom and the European Union have agreed that the conditions for acquisition of the new 'settled status' will be the same as those currently applicable under EU law for permanent residence applications.
- Fee. The application fee is expected to be no more than that of a British passport (approximately GBP 75).
- EU permanent residents. A simplified process will also be available for those already holding an EU permanent residence document in the United Kingdom, including a reduced application fee.
- Deadline unresolved. The note does not confirm the deadline by which EU nationals must have entered the United Kingdom to qualify for settled status.
Looking ahead
Significant numbers of European nationals are expected to apply for permanent residence documents under the current system, as this remains the only way that European Economic Area nationals can currently apply for naturalisation as British citizens and thus obtain the security of a British passport.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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