Phase One

In the first phase, the Home Office will extend pre-settled status for five years soon before it expires to ensure that no one loses their rights due to a failure to submit a second application to the EUSS.

After the extension is sought for, the Home Office will run automated checks (which have always been used to validate eligibility under the scheme) against accessible government data to determine eligibility for settled status. If a pre-settled status holder passes these checks, they will be granted settled status, and their digital status will be modified automatically.

The first cohort of pre-settled status holders will soon be notified that their status is being considered for conversion to established status. Their digital status will be updated immediately, and they can view and share it as usual. Status holders are not required to take any action during this first phase.

If the Home Office does not have enough data to confirm eligibility for an automatic grant of settled status, they will be contacted and told of the next processes, as well as the need of continuing to meet the requirements of their status.

Later this year, the Home Office wants to broaden this process so that more eligible pre-settled status holders can be changed to settled status without having to file an application. Cases where the Home Office was unable to convert to settled status during the first phase may be examined under the extended process.

The Homes Office is also evaluating the appropriate next measures for cases where a pre-settled status holder has ceased to meet the terms of their pre-settled status by failing to maintain continuous residence in the UK, and will give additional information in due course.

GET SUPPORT IF NEEDED

Help available at: Leeds Immigration Advice Centre