Brexit reminder: June 30 deadline for EU Settlement Scheme

IMPACT – HIGH

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens in the United Kingdom have until June 30 to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. The scheme allows EU citizens and their family members who were living in the U.K. before Jan. 1, 2021, the chance to safeguard their residence status.

Eligibility:

• EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who were living in the U.K. before Jan. 1, 2021, must apply for settled or pre-settled status within the scheme by June 30. Individuals who arrived in the U.K. on or after Jan. 1 are not eligible for the settlement scheme.
  • Settled status. Applicants will be considered for this track if they have lived in the U.K. for a continuous five year period and have not left the U.K. for more than five years in a row since arrival.
  • Pre-settled status. Applicants will be considered for this track if they have not lived in the U.K. for five years in a row. Once individuals receive this status, they will be able to stay in the U.K. for an additional five years from the date it is issued. They can apply for settled status once they have five years of continuous residence.

Requirements:

• Applicants will need a valid passport or valid national identity card as well as a digital headshot photo.
• Applicants must show proof that they were living in the U.K. by Dec. 31, 2020, to be eligible to apply for the settlement scheme. Individuals should provide their National Insurance number during the application process to easily confirm U.K. residence. If applicants do not have a National Insurance number or do not wish to provide it, other verification methods are available.
• Document can either be scanned and uploaded into the “EU Exit: ID Document Check” app or mailed to appropriate authorities.

Benefits:

• Persons who are given settled or pre-settled status will be able to:
  • Work in the U.K.
  • Use the NHS without charge.
  • Enroll in education in the U.K.
  • Access public funds, benefits or pensions.
  • Travel in and out of the country.

BAL Analysis: Citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland living in the U.K. should apply for the EU Settlement Scheme if they have not done so already and wish to continue living in the U.K. Additional information on the step-by-step process is available here.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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