If you are a resident from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein who began living in the UK before 31 December 2020, you are eligible to apply for pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). Additionally, if you are a family member of someone from these regions who has lived in the UK before this date, you can also apply for pre-settled status. This status is granted for five years, after which, upon completing five years of continuous residence in the UK, you can transition to settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

Although the deadline for most applicants to submit their applications to the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021, there are still opportunities to apply if:

• You were eligible to apply after the deadline
• You have valid reasons for missing the application deadline

Aden & Co Solicitors are highly regarded UK immigration experts, offering superior legal services in visa and immigration matters. The quality of our services is reflected in the exceptional 5-star Google Reviews, with 99% of our clients rating us highly for our professionalism and expertise.

Our dedicated team of immigration solicitors in London provides tailored legal advice and representation on a fixed fee basis for individuals applying for pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). You can reach out to our team for complimentary online immigration advice, or book an appointment with one of our specialists for in-depth guidance on your EUSS application.

Who Has a Later Deadline to Apply for Pre-Settled Status?

The 30 June 2021 deadline for applying for pre-settled status may not apply to everyone. If you fall into any of the following categories, your deadline could be extended:

• If you are a family member of an EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic, or Liechtenstein national who was residing in the UK by 31 December 2020, and you joined them on or after 1 April 2021.
• If you are applying on behalf of your child, who was either born or adopted in the UK on or after 1 April 2021.
• If you are a family member of an eligible Northern Ireland resident but were unable to relocate to the UK before 31 December 2020, provided you are from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.
• If you were exempt from immigration control or ceased being exempt after 30 June 2021.
• If you currently hold limited leave to remain or enter the UK (e.g., under a work or study visa), which expires after 30 June 2021.
• If you are a family member of a British citizen and resided with them in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you must have lived with them there before 30 December 2020 and returned to the UK with them.

Valid Grounds for Missing the Deadline to Apply for Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

If you missed the 30 June 2021 application deadline, or a later deadline specific to your situation, there may still be an opportunity to apply for pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). However, you must provide “reasonable grounds” for not meeting the deadline. While there is no exhaustive list of reasons, there are several recognized circumstances that may qualify. If your reason is not listed below, you can still apply, and your case will be considered based on its merit.

Some examples of reasonable grounds for missing the deadline include:

• If you are a child or applying on behalf of a child and were unaware of the requirement to apply.
• If your parent, guardian, or local authority failed to apply for you during your childhood.
• If you were suffering from a medical condition that prevented you from applying on time.
• If you lacked the mental or physical capacity to apply for the scheme.
• If you have specific care or support needs, or if those responsible for your care were unaware of the deadline.
• If you have been a victim of modern slavery.
• If you have endured an abusive or controlling relationship.
• If you lacked internet access or did not have the necessary documentation to apply.
• If you arrived in the UK on a work or study visa and became eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) while in the UK, but were unaware of the ability to apply.
• If you already hold indefinite leave to remain or enter and were unaware that you could apply to the scheme.
• If you held permanent residence status or a residence document that expired after 30 June 2021, and you were unaware of the need to apply to the scheme.
• If the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic restricted your ability to access necessary support for your application.
• If a compelling, practical, or compassionate reason prevented you from applying on time.

When submitting your application, you will need to provide supporting evidence for the reasons behind missing the deadline.

If You Are Exempt From Immigration Control, Or Lose Your Exemption

While you remain exempt from immigration control, no further action is required to continue residing in the UK. You will have been notified of your exempt status, which may include circumstances such as being:

• A foreign diplomat assigned to the UK
• A NATO member

You may apply for the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) at any time, provided you or a family member began residing in the UK before 31 December 2020. If granted settled status, your privileges and immunities may change. Should you cease to be exempt, it is essential to submit an application to the EU Settlement Scheme within 90 days of losing your exempt status. As part of your application, you will need to demonstrate that you were previously exempt from immigration control.

Your family members, whether exempt or not, may be eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme at any point, even if you have not yet submitted your own application.

When You Are Required to Apply

• Family Member Joining in the UK: If you are applying as a family member to join someone in the UK, you must submit your application within 90 days of your arrival in the UK, provided you arrived on or after 1 April 2021. For arrivals before that date, the deadline for applications was 30 June 2021.
• Child Born or Adopted in the UK: If your child was born or adopted in the UK on or after 1 April 2021, the application deadline is 90 days from their birth or adoption date. For children born or adopted before that date, the deadline for applications was 30 June 2021.
• Family Member of a Northern Ireland Resident: If you are a family member of an eligible person from Northern Ireland, and they could not return to the UK without you by 31 December 2020, your application must be submitted within 90 days of your arrival in the UK.

• If you are exempt from immigration control, applying to the scheme is not mandatory, although you may do so at any time. If you cease to be exempt, your application must be submitted within 90 days.
• If you hold limited leave to remain or enter the UK, and this leave expires after 30 June 2021, it is crucial to apply before your leave expires.
• For family members of a British citizen who resided in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, the deadline to apply is 29 March 2022.

Eligibility Criteria for Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

To qualify for Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), applicants must fulfill one of the following criteria:

1. EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: You must be from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein and must have established residency in the UK before 31 December 2020.
2. Family Members of EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: You are eligible if you are a family member of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein who began residing in the UK by 31 December 2020.

Additional Eligibility for Pre-Settled Status may include:

• Former Family Members: If you were previously a family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen who resided in the UK by 31 December 2020 (but the relationship has ended due to separation, death, or other circumstances), you may still qualify.
• Family of a British Citizen: If you are a family member of a British citizen who resided with you in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein by 31 December 2020 and returned to the UK with you, you may be eligible to apply.
• Dual Citizens: If you are the family member of a British citizen who also holds citizenship of an EU, EEA, or Swiss country, and they lived in the UK as a citizen of one of these countries before acquiring British nationality, you may qualify for pre-settled status.
• Northern Ireland Eligibility: Individuals with family members who are eligible persons of Northern Ireland can also apply for Pre-Settled Status.
• Children of EU Nationals: If you are the child of an EU, EEA, or Swiss national who resided and worked in the UK, and you are currently in education in the UK, you are eligible to apply.
• Exempt Family Members: If you are a family member of a person exempt from immigration control, you may also qualify.
• Frontier Workers: Family members of frontier workers may apply for Pre-Settled Status.

Additional Eligibility for Primary Carers and Children:

Both you and your child can apply for Pre-Settled Status if, by 31 December 2020, you were the primary carer of:

• A British citizen (without any other form of leave to remain in the UK).
• A child of an EU, EEA, or Swiss national who resided and worked in the UK (the child must currently be in education).
• A self-sufficient child from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.

How Can We Assist You?

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our dedicated team of immigration experts based in London offers comprehensive and professional legal representation for individuals seeking pre-settled status under the EU Settled Scheme (EUSS). We will guide you through every step of the process, from assessing your eligibility to ensuring the timely submission of all necessary documentation. Our skilled immigration solicitors will handle all aspects of your pre-settled status application until a final decision is received from the Home Office UKVI.

The services provided by our immigration solicitors for your pre-settled status application include:

• Eligibility Assessment: Our solicitors will thoroughly evaluate your personal circumstances to determine your eligibility for pre-settled status under the EU Settled Scheme (EUSS).
• Strategic Guidance: We will provide expert advice on the strengths and weaknesses of your application, helping you understand your position within the EUSS framework.
• Documentary Requirements: Our team will guide you on the specific documents needed to support your pre-settled status application, ensuring full compliance with Home Office UKVI requirements.
• Document Review: Our solicitors will meticulously examine your documents to ensure they meet the Home Office’s stringent immigration rules and standards.
• Application Completion: We will complete the online application form on your behalf, collecting all necessary information to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Supporting Documents Submission: Our team will upload all relevant supporting documents directly to the online system, streamlining your application process.
• Liaising with UKVI: We will act as your liaison with the Home Office UKVI to facilitate a prompt decision on your pre-settled status application.

Fixed Fees for Applications under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) by Aden & Co Solicitors

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer transparent and competitive fixed fees for a range of services related to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). Our fees cover all work involved in processing your application until a decision is made. Below is the detailed fee structure for various applications under the EUSS:

Please note that the final agreed fee will be determined based on the complexity of the application and the volume of casework involved.