After you've applied

After you’ve applied, the Home Office will check your application.

They’ll confirm whether your application is valid including checks on your:

  • proof of identity
  • biometrics
  • entitlement to apply from outside the UK (if applicable)
  • legal entry into the UK (if you’re a joining family member)
  • reasonable grounds for the delay in applying (if applicable)

If your application is valid, you’ll get a certificate of application.

The certificate will explain what you can use it for while you’re waiting for a decision - for example, to prove your right to work, rent, claim certain benefits or use NHS services in the UK.

If your application is successful, you’ll get a decision letter by email or post confirming you’ve been given settled or pre-settled status. You cannot use the letter itself to prove your status.

Do not travel to the UK until you’ve been given pre-settled or settled status. Check the documents you’ll need to enter the UK.

The status you get under the EU Settlement Scheme proves your rights in the UK only.

Your documents will be returned to you automatically once the decision has been made - this usually takes between 6 to 8 weeks.

Viewing and proving your status online

You can view your status or prove it to someone else online, for example employers or landlords.

You’ll get a ‘share code’ to give to your employer or landlord. They can view your immigration status and rights by entering the share code and your date of birth online.

​​If you’re not from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You can view your status or prove it to someone else online.

You cannot use your biometric residence card (BRC) to confirm your right to work or rent. You’ll need to prove your right to work online or prove your right to rent online instead.

If you did not have a BRC when you applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll be sent one by post if your application is successful. This BRC will expire on 31 December 2024. Your immigration status will not be affected.

From 1 January 2025, you’ll only be able to view your status or prove it to someone else online.

Travelling abroad

You cannot use your BRC to travel from the UK to another country. You’ll need to apply for a visa if the country you’re travelling to requires one.

Returning to the UK

If you’re a national of a country requiring UK entry clearance, you’ll need:

  • a valid BRC
  • a passport

If your BRC is lost, stolen or expires when you’re outside the UK, you can get an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit. Once you return, you should then apply for a replacement BRC. You must apply from inside the UK.

From 1 January 2025, you’ll only be able to view your status or prove it to someone else online.

Updating your details

You must keep your details up to date, for example if you get a new passport.

Applying for citizenship

You’ll usually be able to apply for citizenship 12 months after you’ve got settled status.

If the Home Office finds a mistake or needs more information

The Home Office will contact you before making a decision on a valid application, so you can correct the error.

They’ll also tell you if you need to provide more evidence before they can make a decision.

If you cannot find the email in your inbox, check your junk or spam folder before contacting the Home Office for progress on your application.

Appeal the decision

You can make an appeal to an independent tribunal if your application is refused.

You may have to pay for any NHS healthcare that you received while waiting for a decision.

If you already have an outstanding immigration application

The Home Office will consider both applications. If you meet the criteria for both, you can choose which one is granted.

  1. Step 1 Check if you need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme

    You may need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK.

    1. Check if you need to apply
  2. Step 2 Find out what status you’ll get

    You’ll get settled or pre-settled status depending on how long you’ve been living in the UK. This might affect when you choose to apply.

    1. Find out what you’ll get
  3. Step 3 Check what you’ll need to apply

  4. Step 4 Apply

    The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021.

    1. Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme
  5. Step 5 After you've applied