Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status)
After you've applied
After you’ve applied, the Home Office will check your application.
They’ll confirm whether your application is valid including checks on your:
- proof of identity
- biometrics
- entitlement to apply from outside the UK (if applicable)
- legal entry into the UK (if you’re a joining family member)
- reasonable grounds for the delay in applying (if applicable)
If your application is valid, you’ll get a certificate of application.
The certificate will explain what you can use it for while you’re waiting for a decision - for example, to prove your right to work, rent, claim certain benefits or use NHS services in the UK.
If your application is successful, you’ll get a decision letter by email or post confirming you’ve been given settled or pre-settled status. You cannot use the letter itself to prove your status.
Do not travel to the UK until you’ve been given pre-settled or settled status. Check the documents you’ll need to enter the UK.
The status you get under the EU Settlement Scheme proves your rights in the UK only.
Your documents will be returned to you automatically once the decision has been made - this usually takes between 6 to 8 weeks.
Viewing and proving your status online
You can view your status or prove it to someone else online, for example employers or landlords.
You’ll get a ‘share code’ to give to your employer or landlord. They can view your immigration status and rights by entering the share code and your date of birth online.
If you’re not from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
You can view your status or prove it to someone else online.
If you have a biometric residence card (BRC), you cannot use it to confirm your right to work or rent. You’ll need to prove your right to work online or prove your right to rent online instead.
Travelling abroad
You cannot use your BRC to travel from the UK to another country. You’ll need to apply for a visa if the country you’re travelling to requires one.
Returning to the UK
If you’re a national of a country requiring UK entry clearance you can use your eVisa to return to the UK after travelling abroad. An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status.
You do not need to do anything to get an eVisa. You can see it in your UKVI account.
Before you travel, you’ll need to sign in to your UKVI account to check that your eVisa is linked to your current passport or travel document. You’ll still need to carry your current passport or travel document with you.
If you cannot access your UKVI account or update it to link your current passport or travel document to your eVisa, you can either:
- apply for an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit to return to the UK if you’ve already left
- use an in date BRC and a valid passport
You can no longer apply for a replacement BRC.
Updating your details
You must keep your details up to date, for example if you get a new passport.
Applying for citizenship
You’ll usually be able to apply for citizenship 12 months after you’ve got settled status.
If the Home Office finds a mistake or needs more information
The Home Office will contact you before making a decision on a valid application, so you can correct the error.
They’ll also tell you if you need to provide more evidence before they can make a decision.
If you cannot find the email in your inbox, check your junk or spam folder before contacting the Home Office for progress on your application.
Appeal the decision
You can make an appeal to an independent tribunal if your application is refused.
You may have to pay for any NHS healthcare that you received while waiting for a decision.
If you already have an outstanding immigration application
The Home Office will consider both applications. If you meet the criteria for both, you can choose which one is granted.