The Home Office has set out a series of changes affecting people who hold status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). The announcement covers two main areas: keeping UKVI account details accurate, particularly identity documents used for travel and a simpler and more flexible route from pre-settled to settled status, alongside plans to expand automatic grants of settled status.
This article explains the main points and the practical steps EUSS status holders should take.
Keeping your UKVI account details up to date
The Home Office has emphasised that EUSS status holders already have a UKVI account and do not need to create a new one. From early next year, additional checks will be introduced to confirm immigration status when travelling.
If the details in a UKVI account are not accurate, this may lead to delays or difficulties when travelling to or from the UK. The Home Office has also warned that a carrier may deny boarding if the travel document being used does not match the document linked to the UKVI account.
What you need to do now
The Home Office has asked EUSS holders to update their details as soon as possible, particularly if they have a new passport or identity document.
You should update your UKVI account if you have obtained a new passport or identity document since your EUSS application. The update should be completed before travelling.
If you hold pre-settled status, the Home Office has also warned that problems may arise when applying for settled status if your identity document is not up to date.
Before you travel
If you are planning to travel, the Home Office recommends checking that the document number, expiry date and nationality match the information held in your UKVI account.
Changes to the residence requirement for settled status
The Home Office has confirmed that the residence requirement for pre-settled status holders applying for settled status has been simplified.
You can now qualify for settled status if:
- you have pre-settled status and have been resident in the UK for at least 30 months (2.5 years) in the 5 years before you apply; and
- you arrived in the UK at least 5 years ago.
Key points under the new rule
- You do not need to explain time spent outside the UK, as long as you meet the 30-month rule.
- Any applications not yet decided will be assessed against this new rule.
- If you were previously refused settled status, or were granted permission to stay under another immigration route, you may now qualify if you still have pre-settled status and meet the new requirements.
The Home Office has also stated that if someone spent more than two years in a row outside the UK before 21 May 2024, their pre-settled status would have lapsed. Further changes are being developed and an additional update will follow.
Automated grants of settled status
The Home Office has begun automatically converting some pre-settled status holders to settled status. This will be done using UK tax and benefit records and eligible people will be informed by email.
Who may be granted settled status automatically
A person will be granted settled status automatically if:
- they are an EEA or Swiss citizen who was resident in the UK by 23:00 on 31 December 2020; and
- their tax and benefit records show they lived in the UK for five years with absences of less than six months in total in any 12-month period.
The Home Office has stated that from early 2026 it will update the system to use the new 30-month rule.
Who still needs to apply
The Home Office has set out that a person will still need to apply for settled status if they:
- have not paid UK tax or received benefits for at least 30 months in the last five years;
- are a family member who is not from the EEA or Switzerland;
- are a joining family member who began residence in the UK after 31 December 2020;
- are under 18 years of age; or
- have other eligibility requirements, such as derivative rights.
The Home Office also encourages families to apply where eligible, including applications made on behalf of children or others who cannot apply for themselves.
Final reminder
The Home Office has made clear that EUSS status holders should act now to make sure their UKVI account contains accurate identity document details, particularly ahead of travel. For pre-settled status holders, the new residence rule and the move towards automated grants are intended to make the transition to settled status simpler, but many people will still need to apply in the usual way depending on their circumstances.
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