EU Settlement Application First-hand Account
Here at Igloo we have had a member of our own team successfully go through the process of the EU settlement scheme. We recently completed a Q&A with them regarding the process of applying to the EU settlement scheme.
Q: Did you complete the application online?
A: I completed the process on my mobile phone using an app called, EU Exit: ID Document Check. This allows you to complete the application online and upload your documents to support your application. I believe if you don’t do it this way you have to send your documents off or attend a face to face meeting.
Q: Did you complete this application in your native language or English?
A: I completed it in English. I did notice that the guide to the application process is available in 26 languages.
Q: Was this a complicated and confusing process?
A: No, it was quite straight forward. Everything is explained on the GOV website (What you need to complete in the application).
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No, it’s free to apply.
Q: What identification documents needs to be sent off for this application?
A: If you are completing the application on your phone you won’t be required to send any documents however, they ask you to scan the chip in your passport. You have only 5 attempts to scan the chip in your passport with your mobile phone otherwise you will have to send other documents.
Q: Does the application need to be completed all at once or could you take a break and come back to it?
A: You can take a break from completing the application pack and come back to it at a later date or time.
Q: Roughly how long did it take you to fill out the application?
A: The application took me 30 minutes to complete.
Q: How long did it take to receive your status from the moment of filling in your application?
A: From completing the application to receiving my settlement status it took about 1 month.
Q: What happened after you applied?
A: I have received an email with the letter attached informing me about my status. The email that you will receive is not proof of your status. You will not usually get a physical document however, you can view your status or prove your status to someone online.
To read more about the EU Settlement Scheme please CLICK HERE.
EU Settlement Scheme
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen you can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme for you and your family to continue living in the UK after 30th June 2021. You will either get a settled or pre-settled status if the application is successful.
If you have received a settled status this will usually mean that you have been living in the UK before 31st December 2020 and you have lived in the UK for 5 years with a small number of exceptions (also known as ‘continuous residence’). If you have received a settled status, then you may live in the UK for as long as you like. You can spend up to 5 continuous years outside of the UK without losing your status (Swiss citizens can spend up to 4 years outside of the UK without losing their status). With this you will also be able to apply for a British citizenship.
A pre-settled status usually means that you have started living in the UK before 31st December 2020 however, you do not have 5 years of continuous residence. Once you have reached your 5 years of continuous residence in the UK then you can apply for the settled status before your pre-settled status expires. You can stay in the UK for a further 5 years from the date that you receive your pre-settled status. With a pre-settled status, you can spend 2 years in a row outside of the UK without losing your status.
Complete applications usually take 5 days to process however, this can take up to a month. The processing time will begin once they have received all the relevant documentation. Your application will take longer if they need to request more information from you, you submit a paper application or if you have a criminal record.
What you will need to apply:
- Proof of identity (valid passport or identity card)
- A photo of your face
- Proof of your residence in the UK (unless you have a valid permanent residence document)
If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen you can use a valid passport, biometric residence card or biometric residence permit
How can you prove your identity for the EU settlement scheme?
- You can us the iPhone and Android app ‘EU Exit: ID Document Check’
- Book an appointment to scan the documents in person
- Enter the document details online and send your identity documents by post
How will they use your personal information to grant you a settlement scheme?
- Criminal and security checks
- National Insurance number to check with the Department for Work and Pensions and the HMRC
- Sharing the evidence with other organisations to protect against fraud
One of our Igloo team members successfully went through the EU Settlement Scheme process. We asked them a few questions that may help you during your application process. Read Now
Deadline to apply: 30th June 2021
Fees to apply: Free
APPLY NOW: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status