Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status)
After you've applied
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.
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 your 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.
If your application is unsuccessful
You may be able to apply for an administrative review of your application if you think there’s been a mistake.
It costs £80 and you’ll usually get the result within 28 days.
You’ll get your money back if the original decision is changed because of an error.
You can submit new evidence as part of an administrative review but you will not get your money back if the decision is changed because of the new evidence.
You may have to pay for any NHS healthcare that you received while waiting for a decision.
Appeal the decision
You can also make an appeal to an independent tribunal. You can only appeal the decision if your application was made after 11pm on 31 January 2020.
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.