Immigration options

EU Settlement Scheme

What is the EU Settlement Scheme?

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) enables eligible European Economic Area (EEA) nationals and their family members to continue living in the UK following the UK's departure from the European Union. 

Under the scheme, a person may be granted:

• settled status (indefinite leave to remain), where they meet the residence requirements of the scheme
• pre-settled status (limited leave to remain), where they do not yet meet the requirements for settled status 

The deadline for applications was 30 June 2021, but applications can still be made in certain circumstances. 

Who can apply?

Applications may still be possible for:

• people who missed the deadline to apply to the scheme
• joining family members of people with settled or pre-settled status
• children born or adopted after a sponsor obtained EUSS status
• people with pre-settled status who are eligible for settled status 

Zambrano carers can no longer apply under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Late applications

A person who was living in the UK before 31 December 2020 may be able to make a late application if they are:

• an EEA national
• a family member of an EEA national
• a non-EEA national family member
• a person with a retained right of residence
• a person with a derivative right to reside

Late applications may also be possible for joining family members who have missed their application deadline.

A person making a late application must show that they had reasonable grounds for failing to apply before the deadline. The Home Office guidance explains how late applications will be considered, including applications from children and adults with care and support needs.

How to apply

Applications are free and are usually made online.

Applicants will normally need to provide:

• evidence of identity
• evidence of residence in the UK
• any additional information required to support the application

For full details about the application process, see the Home Office guidance for EU Settlement Scheme applicants.

Moving from pre-settled status to settled status

A person with pre-settled status may become eligible for settled status when they meet the residence requirements of the scheme.

The Home Office now automatically extends pre-settled status for a further five years before it expires. People are notified when this happens and their digital immigration status is updated accordingly. 

The Home Office also automatically converts some people from pre-settled status to settled status where it identifies that they meet the requirements. A person can still apply for settled status themselves if they do not wish to wait for automatic conversion.

Appealing an EUSS decision

A person may have a right of appeal where:

• a valid EUSS application has been refused
• pre-settled status has been granted but the person believes they qualify for settled status
• a valid application for an EUSS family permit or travel permit has been refused and the relevant appeal requirements are met
• EUSS status has been cancelled or curtailed

There is no right of appeal if the Home Office decides that a person does not have reasonable grounds for making a late application to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Getting help

It is advisable to obtain advice from a regulated immigration adviser, particularly where an application is made after the deadline or the person's circumstances are complex.

People can also get help from:

• the Home Office EU Settlement Scheme Resolution Centre
• the Home Office We Are Digital service, which provides support with online applications
• a regulated immigration adviser

See our information about finding immigration and asylum advice.

Page updated: 23 July 2026