Important Updates
Important Updates
May 28, 2025 | United KingdomYorkshire Post: Yorkshire Businesses Should Prepare for Sweeping Immigration Rule Changes
May 28, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesDubai Eye: Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI Workforce and Talent Mobility
May 28, 2025 | MozambiqueMozambique: Pre-Travel Authorization for Visa-Exempt Travelers Temporarily Suspended
May 28, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Temporary Hold on ‘Block Work Visa Quotas’ for Certain Nationalities
May 28, 2025 | IrelandThe Irish Times: ‘Without People to Build Homes, It Won’t Happen’: Construction Workers Decry Shortage of Tradespeople
May 28, 2025 | United KingdomYorkshire Post: Yorkshire Businesses Should Prepare for Sweeping Immigration Rule Changes
May 28, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesDubai Eye: Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI Workforce and Talent Mobility
May 28, 2025 | MozambiqueMozambique: Pre-Travel Authorization for Visa-Exempt Travelers Temporarily Suspended
May 28, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Temporary Hold on ‘Block Work Visa Quotas’ for Certain Nationalities
May 28, 2025 | IrelandThe Irish Times: ‘Without People to Build Homes, It Won’t Happen’: Construction Workers Decry Shortage of Tradespeople
May 28, 2025 | United KingdomYorkshire Post: Yorkshire Businesses Should Prepare for Sweeping Immigration Rule Changes
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcastsVideos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Deadline for applications to the EU Settlement Scheme fast approaching

March 22, 2021

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

EU Settlement Scheme Deadline - 30 June 2021

With the Brexit transition period over, the 30 June deadline for applications to the EU Settlement Scheme is fast approaching.

Where EEA nationals have completed a historic period of residence in the UK in excess of five years, it is likely that they will qualify to obtain settled status (permanent residence) under the EU Settlement Scheme, provided they apply before the 30 June 2021 deadline. This includes where they are now living outside the UK (overseas beneficiaries, which we have highlighted before).

Applying to the EUSS is subject to the following broad tests:

The applicant is an EEA national (or a family member): Where an EEA national is eligible for settled status their children under the age of 21 or dependent will also qualify directly for settled status, regardless of whether the child has completed a five year period of residence in the UK, and regardless of nationality.

The applicant has lived in the UK for at least five years at some point: The five year period can have been at any time, provided it can be evidenced.  During the five years, the applicant must not have had a 12 month period during which they were away for more than 180 days in total. Days on which the individual crosses the UK border count as present in the UK. So for example if an individual left the UK on Monday and next returned on Wednesday, they would have been absent for one day (the Tuesday) only. As an exception to the 180/365 day rule, a single absence of up to 12 months is allowable on one occasion during the five years, provided it is for an important reason such as pregnancy, childbirth, serious illness, study, vocational training, an overseas posting or pandemic.

To prove the five year period of residence, individuals may rely upon the National Insurance record that is generated when a person is employed in the UK. If this is available, applicants may not need to provide many documents to evidence their claim. Where this record is incomplete, or the individual has not been employed, they may rely upon any of a number of documents, including self-assessment annual tax return, bank statements, mortgage statements, pension contributions, P60s or other correspondence addressed to them in the UK.

There is no requirement that the individual was covered by a policy of comprehensive sickness insurance during the five year period.

The applicant has not since been away from the UK for more than five years at a time: Provided the individual crossed the UK border for any purpose (e.g. landside transit) and can provide proof (for example a bank or credit card statement showing spending in the UK, or a used travel ticket confirming entering the UK), this keeps eligibility going for another five years.  A trip of just a few hours back to the UK accompanied by proof of purchasing a coffee at the airport, would be enough.

The individual is not ‘unsuitable’: In order for an individual to be unsuitable they would in general need to have serious criminal convictions.


Myths surrounding applying for settled status

Some eligible applicants may be put off from applying to the scheme. I've outlined below some of the myths surrounding the EUSS. 

X          Difficult application process

The process to apply to the EUSS is online. In most cases the applicant can apply from home by scanning the contactless chip in their passport. Physical documents do not need to be submitted, and there is no appointment to attend (if the applicant holds an EEA passport). Once the application is approved, status is issued in a secure electronic form and links to the person’s passport when they travel to the UK or need to prove their right to work to a bank, employer or other third party.

X          Travelling to the UK

The application can be made from anywhere in the world but needs to be made on an EU/UK smartphone.

X          Future intentions

The application does not involve any declaration on the applicant’s future intentions. It is solely focused on eligibility, and the historical fact of residence.  Making the application does not imply that the individual intends to return to the UK in future, or should be treated as UK-domiciled.

X          UK activity requirement

There is no requirement that the individual was economically active, or contributed above any tax threshold, during their historic five years of residence in the UK.

X          Language / knowledge of life in the UK test

There is no language or other knowledge test to apply for settled status.


Qualifying EEA nationals must apply by 30 June 2021 to take advantage of their rights.

Under the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, the UK is entitled to impose a deadline on applications. There will be provisions to accept late applications in exceptional circumstances, but these are not likely to include those living outside the UK.

Those with settled status under the scheme have a lifetime right to return to the UK, provided they never spend more than five years away at one time. They can also bring family members with them. If they do not apply, they will have to pay the full costs of sponsorship if they return in future. These fees are some of the highest in the world. By way of example, a sponsored worker bringing with them a family of a partner and three children, would at current prices face government fees of GBP 24,589 (comprising UKVI visa fees, immigration health surcharge, immigration skills charge and sponsorship fees) to obtain visas for 5 years for themselves and their family. In contrast, an application to the EUSS is free.

If you need any further details on the EU Settlement Scheme, contact me on [email protected]. This blog was published on 22 March 2021, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our COVID-19 microsite, subscribe to our alerts and follow us LinkedIn.

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

A1 Certificate Fraud: Key Takeaways from the 2025 ECJ Decision

Director Wim Cocquyt and Senior Immigration Consultant Marina Ocariz discuss key takeaways from the 2025 ECJ decision on A1 certificate fraud.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dubai Eye: Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI Workforce and Talent Mobility

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI talent shortage and how immigration policies are helping attract talent to the region.

Learn more

Blog post

La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité

Senior Immigration Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses France's tightening of the naturalization-by-decree process by enforcing stricter language, legal and financial requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Irish Times: ‘Without People to Build Homes, It Won’t Happen’: Construction Workers Decry Shortage of Tradespeople

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights Ireland’s respected work permit system and suggests a sector-specific permit to attract more non-EEA construction workers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Yorkshire Post: Yorkshire Businesses Should Prepare for Sweeping Immigration Rule Changes

Practice Leader Kathleen O’Donnell highlights how proposed UK immigration reforms could impact businesses in Yorkshire.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Death of the Digital Nomad

Partner Charlotte Wills notes that while full-time, long-term remote work might become less common, many professionals continue to work from abroad through more structured, short-term arrangements.

Learn more

Video

How to Stay in France After Graduation: Immigration Options for International Students

In this video, Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio walks you through everything you need to know about staying in France after graduation. Whether you’re looking to work, start a business or transition to a new immigration status, this guide covers key immigration pathways for international students.

Learn more

Media mentions

American Bar Association's How Things Work: The Legal Edition: F-1 Student Visa Revocations

Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.

Learn more

Media mentions

Classical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe

Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized at FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards

Fragomen was recognized at the FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards for "Best Business Development: US Company Expanding in France."

Learn more

Media mentions

Northern Engineer: The UK Immigration White Paper – What it Means for the Engineering Sector in the North of England

Practice Leader Kathleen O'Donnell, Manager Kirsty Moore and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline how the latest UK immigration white paper could affect engineering recruitment for employers in the North of England.

Learn more

Video

Passports & Pitch Side: Footballers on the Move ⚽ Ep. 8 (Part 2) | #FragomenFC

#FragomenFC co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Associate Jake Paul Minster are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup—and an avid football fan—and Ismaïl Aissati—former professional footballer.

Learn more

Blog post

A1 Certificate Fraud: Key Takeaways from the 2025 ECJ Decision

Director Wim Cocquyt and Senior Immigration Consultant Marina Ocariz discuss key takeaways from the 2025 ECJ decision on A1 certificate fraud.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dubai Eye: Managing Partner, Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI Workforce and Talent Mobility

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Ali Khan discusses the UAE’s AI talent shortage and how immigration policies are helping attract talent to the region.

Learn more

Blog post

La Naturalisation française par Décret : Des règles strictes et une exigence accrue de conformité

Senior Immigration Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses France's tightening of the naturalization-by-decree process by enforcing stricter language, legal and financial requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Irish Times: ‘Without People to Build Homes, It Won’t Happen’: Construction Workers Decry Shortage of Tradespeople

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights Ireland’s respected work permit system and suggests a sector-specific permit to attract more non-EEA construction workers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Yorkshire Post: Yorkshire Businesses Should Prepare for Sweeping Immigration Rule Changes

Practice Leader Kathleen O’Donnell highlights how proposed UK immigration reforms could impact businesses in Yorkshire.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Death of the Digital Nomad

Partner Charlotte Wills notes that while full-time, long-term remote work might become less common, many professionals continue to work from abroad through more structured, short-term arrangements.

Learn more

Video

How to Stay in France After Graduation: Immigration Options for International Students

In this video, Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio walks you through everything you need to know about staying in France after graduation. Whether you’re looking to work, start a business or transition to a new immigration status, this guide covers key immigration pathways for international students.

Learn more

Media mentions

American Bar Association's How Things Work: The Legal Edition: F-1 Student Visa Revocations

Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.

Learn more

Media mentions

Classical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe

Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized at FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards

Fragomen was recognized at the FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards for "Best Business Development: US Company Expanding in France."

Learn more

Media mentions

Northern Engineer: The UK Immigration White Paper – What it Means for the Engineering Sector in the North of England

Practice Leader Kathleen O'Donnell, Manager Kirsty Moore and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline how the latest UK immigration white paper could affect engineering recruitment for employers in the North of England.

Learn more

Video

Passports & Pitch Side: Footballers on the Move ⚽ Ep. 8 (Part 2) | #FragomenFC

#FragomenFC co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Associate Jake Paul Minster are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup—and an avid football fan—and Ismaïl Aissati—former professional footballer.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.