News & Insights

EU Settlement Scheme – latest statistics

Free movement ended on the 31 December 2020. The deadline for the application to the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021. The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) allows EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family member, who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 to apply for pre-settled or settled status.

Statistics

Over 6 million applications have been made to the EUSS so far. 2.44 million pre settled status and 3.02 million settled status have been granted by the end of September 2021. 172,000 of these were received after the deadline of 30 June 2021 and recorded until the end of September.

Late applications

Late applications to the EUSS are possible and should be done as soon as possible. Those who are eligible will need to show reasonable grounds for making a late application. These circumstances can include, but are not limited to:

  • Where a parent, guardian or Local Authority has failed to apply on behalf of a child
  • Where a person has or had a serious medical condition, which meant they were unable to apply by the relevant deadline
  • If someone is a victim of modern slavery or is in an abusive relationship
  • Where someone is isolated, vulnerable or did not have the digital skills to access the application process
  • Where a person was unable to apply by the relevant deadline for compelling practical or compassionate reasons – including in light of the COVID-19 pandemic

Please note that the late applications should be made online as soon as possible.

Applying for children

Children who are not British citizens or don’t have indefinite leave to enter or remain and who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 must have their own application made to the EUSS. A late application is possible and can be ‘linked’ to the parent’s application.

If settled status was granted (even if done so via a late application), any child born in the UK on or after 1 July 2021 will become a British citizen and eligible for a British passport.

The Citizens’ Rights report

The European Affairs Committee has published a report on Citizens’ Rights for UK citizens resident in the EU and EU citizens living in the UK in July 2021. Whilst highlighting the success of the EUSS, the report also uncovers some concerning facts. Only two per cent of all applications for the EUSS are from people aged over 65. One reason for this could be the digital approach of the Scheme. There have been calls to issue a physical document to show status under the EUSS, just like the EU has done for UK citizens in Europe. Another issue highlighted is for greater clarity and  safeguards for late applicants and those pre-settled status, who may need reminders when their status expires.

EUSS Grant funded Network – support extended

The Home Office recently confirmed that the existing Grant Funded Network of 72 organisations and local authorities across the UK have been awarded a funding extension to continue to support vulnerable and hard to reach applicants into 2022. Vulnerable citizens are offered support for their application to the EUSS.

FSP can advise individuals and employers on all aspects of immigration. We can assist with EUSS applications and will keep you up to date with the latest developments as they are released from the Home Office.

If you require assistance, please contact our Head of Immigration, [email protected].