EU citizens need to prove:
- Identity and nationality: by uploading a passport or national identity card via the smartphone app. This only works if the ID is a biometric document with a chip. Otherwise, you must send documents by post instead. The identity document will be returned within three days, even before the decision is made. Applicants also need to provide a photo of themselves.
- Residence in the UK: showing five years of continuous residence in the UK – usually by giving their National Insurance Number.
Family members of EU nationals:
This means non-EU citizens whose right to be in the UK is based on their family relationship with a citizen of an EU country. Such family members may apply for their status at the same time as their Eu family member. They must prove, with the same documents as above, the EU national family member’s identity and residence plus evidence of:
- Their identity
- Their residence in the UK
- Their relationship to the EU citizen
What if I already have permanent residence or ILR?
Those with a permanent residence document still have to apply under the Settlement Scheme. Those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK can apply but don’t have to. There are some advantages to doing so:
- Settled status lapses after you have been out of the UK for five years, indefinite leave to remain lapses after just two years.
- The rules for family members joining you in the UK are more generous under settled status than indefinite leave to remain.
- Many bodies checking immigration status, like banks, landlords or the NHS may be more familiar with settled status documents.
- Employers cannot accept indefinite leave to remain stamped on an expired passport as evidence of the right to work.
Scarsdale Solicitors – Manchester, Rochdale and Oldham
For advice on immigration issues, call Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale, Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham and Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester. If you need the help of Rochdale immigration solicitors, Oldham immigration solicitors and Manchester Immigration solicitors, call today on 0161 660 6050.
