UK Immigration: EU Settlement
Scheme and Family Members

EU Settlement Scheme and Family Members – Immigration Solicitors Manchester

Following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, the rights of EU, EEA and Swiss nationals living in the UK are now primarily protected under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

The EU Settlement Scheme allows eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, as well as certain family members, to live, work and study in the United Kingdom.

At TM Fortis Solicitors, our experienced immigration solicitors in Manchester provide advice and assistance with EU Settlement Scheme applications, family permits and residence rights for family members of EU nationals.

The EU Settlement Scheme

The EU Settlement Scheme was introduced to allow EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who were living in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period to continue living in the country.

Successful applicants may be granted either:

Settled Status

Individuals who have lived in the UK for five years or more may be eligible for Settled Status.

Settled Status allows individuals to:

Live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions
Access public services and benefits where eligible
Travel in and out of the UK
Apply for British citizenship after meeting the relevant requirements

Pre-Settled Status

Individuals who had not yet completed five years of residence in the UK may be granted Pre-Settled Status.

Pre-Settled Status allows individuals to remain in the UK for five years, after which they may apply for Settled Status once they complete the required period of residence.

Family Members of EU Nationals

Certain family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens may also be eligible to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Family members who may qualify include:

Spouses or civil partners
Durable partners
Dependent children
Dependent parents or grandparents

In many cases, family members can apply to join their EU relative in the United Kingdom.

EU Settlement Scheme Family Permits

Family members who are not EU, EEA or Swiss nationals may need to apply for an EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit before travelling to the United Kingdom.

This permit allows the family member to enter the UK in order to join their eligible EU relative.

Once in the UK, the family member can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to obtain Pre-Settled Status or Settled Status.

Evidence Required for EU Settlement Scheme Applications

Applicants must normally provide evidence of their identity and residence in the United Kingdom.

Depending on the application, supporting documents may include:

Proof of identity and nationality
Evidence of residence in the UK
Evidence of the family relationship
Evidence of dependency where applicable

Providing clear and consistent evidence is important to ensure that applications are processed successfully.

Late Applications to the EU Settlement Scheme

Although the main deadline for EU Settlement Scheme applications has passed, late applications may still be accepted where there are reasonable grounds for the delay.

Examples may include: