The Home Office has today (11 October) published Immigration Rules which detail the next test phase of the EU Settlement Scheme.
What is the EU Settlement Scheme?
The EU Settlement Scheme will enable EU citizens resident in the UK and their family members to obtain the UK immigration status they will require in order to live and work in the UK after the end of the planned implementation period on 31 December 2020.
For further information about what settled and pre-settled status means, click here.
What has been announced?
From late August 2018 we began our first private phase of testing of the EU Settlement Scheme with staff from 12 NHS Trusts and 3 universities in the North West. This small pilot tested the process and functionality of the application in a live environment.
Today, we announced the second phase of the private pilot. It will run from 1 November to 21 December 2018 and will test the full application process.
The scheme will be implemented on a phased basis and will be fully open by 30 March 2019.
Who can take part in the second phase of the private pilot?
- From 1 November 2018, staff from 3 NHS Trusts in Greater Manchester as well as the 12 NHS Trusts and 3 universities in the North West of England which participated in the first phase will be eligible.
- From 15 November 2018, staff in the higher education sector across the UK, and some vulnerable individuals being supported by 5 local authorities and seven civil society organisations in England will be eligible.
- From 29 November 2018, staff in the health and social care sectors across the UK will be eligible.
For more information on who is taking part, please click here.
Which elements of the EU Settlement Scheme will you be testing?
We have been clear that the EU Settlement Scheme will be streamlined, simple and user-friendly.
The pilot provides us with the opportunity to prove various elements of the scheme functionality and processes in a live environment with real applicants, allowing us to make any necessary adjustments ahead of the scheme’s full launch.
This phase will focus on the full online application process, which will include the application which allows participants to prove their identity and the validity of their ID document remotely.
The Home Office will also continue to engage with stakeholders, including employers, local authority representatives and community groups, about the detailed design of the scheme.
When will the EU Settlement Scheme be open to all EU citizens?
The EU Settlement Scheme will be fully open by 30 March 2019. Under the draft Withdrawal Agreement, the deadline for applying will be 30 June 2021.
For more information on the EU Settlement Scheme, including on who is eligible to apply, click here.