The EU Settlement Scheme has been fully open since 30 March 2019. There have already been more than 3.8 million applications and EU, other EEA and Swiss citizens, and their family members, still have plenty of time to apply before the deadline of 30 June 2021 to apply.
Applicants only need to complete three key steps – prove their identity, show that they live in the UK and declare any criminal convictions.
What impact is Coronavirus having on the EU Settlement Scheme?
Home Office support services and application routes have all fully reopened in line with public health guidance. There continues to be a range of support available online, by telephone and by email for those who have questions or need help applying.
However, some of the face-to-face support services provided by our delivery partners have temporarily changed. The Home Office and our delivery partners are keeping this situation under constant review and will endeavour to reinstate all services to their original capacity in line with public health guidance.
What support is available?
Home Office support services and application routes have fully reopened in line with public health guidance. There continues to be a range of support available online, by telephone and by email for those who have questions or need help applying.
The EU Settlement Resolution Centre continues to provide support 7 days a week by telephone and by email in line with public health guidance to work from home where possible.
Applicants can use the EU Exit ID Document check app to complete the identity stage of their application. The postal route for submitting identity evidence is also open for applicants who are unable to use the app to verify their identity.
There are 57 voluntary and community sector organisations across the UK which can offer assistance online, over the telephone or by email to help more vulnerable or at-risk people to apply. Please check with the individual organisations for further details.
Additional support is available for those who do not have the appropriate access, skills or confidence to apply online through Assisted Digital, which can offer assistance over the telephone.
Communications materials have been translated into 26 languages and alternative formats can also be requested.
Is the postal route open?
The postal route for submitting identity evidence is open for applicants who are unable to use the EU Exit: ID Document Check app to verify their identity.
The ID document scanner locations are currently suspended following the latest public health guidance to protect staff. However, the Home Office and our delivery partners are keeping this situation under constant review and will endeavour to reinstate ID document scanner locations to their original capacity in line with public health guidance.
What is the deadline for applications?
There is plenty of time left to apply before the deadline of 30 June 2021 for applications to the EU Settlement Scheme.
The Government has made clear that where a person eligible for leave under the EU Settlement Scheme has reasonable grounds for missing the application deadline, they will be given a further opportunity to apply.