Applicants must show how they are eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme: they must have lived in the UK for five continuous years, commencing prior to 31 December 2020, and, since the end of the five-year period, they must never been outside the UK for over five years.
Applicants for pre-settled status must demonstrate they moved to the UK before 31 December 2020 and that they have not been absent for more than six months since their last entry to the UK before 31 December 2020.
Many applicants will not need to submit evidence of residence because the Home Office will run automated checks via their National Insurance number. For example, HMRC will be able to confirm the residence of applicants who pay National Insurance contributions.
If the Home Office automated checks can’t verify the person’s residence in the UK, applicants must submit their own evidence. The Home Office website lists what it will accept. They prefer “official” documents, like utility bills, bank statements or council tax bills. However, different types of evidence can be submitted if necessary.
It is impossible to give a list of every possible scenario where alternative documents will be accepted, but the main message is for applicants not to be discouraged by the list of evidence that is published on the Home Office website. That evidence is preferable if it is available, but other types of documents may be submitted instead.
Immigration Solicitors Rochdale, Manchester and Oldham
If you have any concerns or questions on the matters raised in this EU immigration scheme article and need the help of Oldham immigration solicitors, Manchester Immigration solicitors or Rochdale immigration solicitors then please contact our Manchester Solicitors, Rochdale Solicitors or Oldham Solicitors on 0161 660 6050 and we will be more than happy to help.
