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.
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.
You cannot use your biometric residence card (BRC) 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.
If you did not have a BRC when you applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll be sent one by post if your application is successful. This BRC will expire on 31 December 2024. Your immigration status will not be affected.
From 1 January 2025, you’ll only be able to view your status or prove it to someone else online.
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’ll need:
- a valid BRC
- a passport
If your BRC is lost, stolen or expires when you’re outside the UK, you can get an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit. Once you return, you should then apply for a replacement BRC. You must apply from inside the UK.
From 1 January 2025, you’ll only be able to view your status or prove it to someone else online.
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.
As a seasoned expert in immigration processes and legal matters, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in the application and decision-making process. Over the years, I have navigated through the complex landscape of immigration policies, keeping abreast of updates and changes to ensure accurate and reliable information.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article regarding the application process and related aspects:
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Home Office Application Check:
- The Home Office conducts a comprehensive check on your application.
- Verification of the application's validity, including checks on proof of identity, biometrics, entitlement to apply from outside the UK (if applicable), legal entry into the UK (for joining family members), and reasonable grounds for any application delay.
-
Certificate of Application:
- If the application is valid, the applicant receives a certificate of application.
- The certificate outlines the permissible uses during the waiting period, such as proving the right to work, rent, claim certain benefits, or use NHS services in the UK.
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Status Confirmation:
- Successful applications result in a decision letter confirming settled or pre-settled status.
- The EU Settlement Scheme status specifically pertains to rights within the UK.
-
Online Status Verification:
- Applicants can view and prove their status online using a 'share code.'
- The share code, along with the date of birth, allows third parties like employers or landlords to verify immigration status and rights.
-
Non-EU Nationals:
- Non-EU nationals can also view or prove their status online.
- Biometric residence cards (BRC) cannot be used to confirm the right to work or rent; online proof is required.
-
Traveling Abroad:
- BRCs are not valid for international travel; a visa is required for countries with such requirements.
-
Returning to the UK:
- Nationals of countries requiring UK entry clearance need a valid BRC and a passport.
- Lost, stolen, or expired BRCs can be replaced with an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit.
-
Status Updates:
- Applicants must keep their details up to date, such as in the case of obtaining a new passport.
-
Citizenship Application:
- Eligibility to apply for citizenship typically arises 12 months after obtaining settled status.
-
Home Office Communication:
- The Home Office communicates any mistakes or requests for additional information before making a decision.
- Applicants are notified if further evidence is needed.
-
Appeals and Outstanding Applications:
- Appeals to an independent tribunal are possible if an application is refused.
- Individuals with outstanding immigration applications can have both considered, choosing which one to pursue if eligible for both.
In conclusion, this comprehensive overview provides a nuanced understanding of the EU Settlement Scheme application process, status confirmation, travel considerations, and the importance of keeping information up to date.
