UK Finally Reaches Agreement over EU Rights post-Brexit

Today the Home Secretary Amber Rudd penned an open letter to all EU nationals in the UK, finally confirming that the UK had reached an agreement in regard to EU rights in the UK post-Brexit. The Home Secretary claims that there is now certainty for these EU nationals and their family members over their futures in the UK, yet very few new details have been announced and EU nationals have been told that more detail about the Settled Status Scheme will be released in the New Year.

The new announcement for EU rights in the UK post-Brexit

The Home Secretary Amber Rudd has today announced that an agreement has been reached over EU rights in the UK after the UK has left the EU. The Home Secretary submits that protecting EU rights has always been a priority during Brexit negotiations and the agreement is said to ensure that EU rights  will largely remain the same, meaning they will still have access to healthcare, benefits and pensions. There is also the option for close family members who are currently outside the UK to join their EU family member in the future. EU nationals and their family members will be able to remain in the UK under the new Settled Status Scheme.

What is the new Settled Status Scheme?

As previously discussed, the new Settled Status Scheme will replace Permanent Residence under the EEA Regulations 2016 once the UK has left the EU. EU nationals and their family members who come to the UK by the 29 March 2019 and have been living continuously and lawfully for 5 years will be eligible to remain in the UK by way of the new Settled Status Scheme. EU nationals who have been in the UK for less than 5 years before the exit date will be able to apply to remain in the UK until they have reached the 5-year threshold, after which they too may then apply for Settled Status.

According to the Home Secretary, it is expected that applications for the new Settled Status will open during the second half of 2018.The application for Settled Status will cost no more than the fee a British person pays for a passport which is just £72.50 and EU nationals in the UK who already have a valid Permanent Residence document will be able to convert their Permanent Residence to Settled Status for free. Further, the Home Secretary has emphasised that the process for applying for Settled Status will be streamlined and user friendly, promising that “there won’t be bureaucratic hurdles – those processing applications will work in your favour”, which is the complete opposite of the current systems in place by the Home Office.

Apply for Permanent Residence in the UK

Although the Home Secretary has promised that the process of applying under the new Settled Status Scheme will be streamlined and easy and that EU nationals need not do anything regarding their status in the UK until next year, it is advised that EU nationals and their family members who are currently eligible but have not yet got permanent residence in the UK do so sooner rather than later. The Home Secretary has also said that it will be easier and cheaper for EU nationals who already hold permanent residence to convert to settled status rather than applying later. Therefore, get in touch with our immigration team who can assist in preparing a strong application.

Using Legal Representation to make a Visa Application under the Settled Status Scheme

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit an application under the Settled Status Scheme.

Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application under the Settled Status Scheme succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided. This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application under the Settled Status Scheme meets the requirements.

Successful Visa Applications under the Settled Status Scheme

Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your application under the new Settled Status Scheme before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your Settled Status application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.

We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is the key to a successful a successful application under the Settled Status Scheme. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.

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