EU Settlement Scheme: Automated settled status process introduced

On 17 January 2025 the Home office introduced a new process to automatically convert eligible pre-settled status holders to settled status without the need for a further application.

It has been more than five years since the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was first introduced in March 2019 and more than three years since the deadline to apply in June 2021. Since it was first launched, the government has made various changes and revisions to the scheme. The latest is a positive development intended to streamline the process of acquiring settled status in the UK, also known as permanent residence or Indefinite Leave to Remain. Previously, pre-settled status holders had to make an application for settled status after completing five years’ residence in the UK.

How will automated conversion to settled status work?

The Home Office has already implemented a process of extending pre-settled status by five years shortly before it expires. Initially, the automated settled status process will apply to those with accessible government records including HMRC and DWP which will be checked to ensure applicants have remained continuously resident in the UK and there is no evidence of criminality.

The Home Office policy paper published 17 January 2025 says this:

“The Home Office will automatically check pre-settled status holder records against government-held information, for example to ensure they have remained resident in the UK, and to check for any evidence of criminal conduct. These checks are the same as the checks undertaken when the person first applied to the EUSS and will ensure they are eligible for settled status before it is granted.

Later in 2025, the Home Office intends to expand this process to enable more eligible pre-settled status holders to benefit from it. We are also considering the appropriate next steps for cases where a pre-settled status holder no longer meets the conditions of their pre-settled status, for example because they have not remained continuously resident in the UK. Further information will be provided in due course.

Importantly, it is still possible to apply for settled status manually and so individuals do not need to wait for the automatic conversion to apply if already eligible.

It is expected that the automated system will be implemented in phases and will be expanded later in 2025, however full details are yet to be published.

What if I am not eligible?

The Home Office says this:

“We are also considering the appropriate next steps for cases where a pre-settled status holder no longer meets the conditions of their pre-settled status, for example because they have not remained continuously resident in the UK. Further information will be provided in due course.

We will continue to listen to and gather feedback from status holders and stakeholders throughout the phased rollout of this process to ensure we can fully consider any input and concerns before each phase is implemented.”

Contact our team for advice and assistance about how these changes may impact you, your family or your business.