Government scraps the fee for post-Brexit EU Settled Status Scheme

Earlier this week, Theresa May announced that fee for EU Settled Status applications will be scrapped, following “powerful representations” on the scheme. With the initial proposed fee of £65 for adults now waived, EU citizens will still need to apply to remain lawfully in the UK once the UK has left the EU. EU nationals and their family members who need assistance applying for Settled and Pre-Settled Status should not hesitate to contact our Immigration Team to arrange a consultation with our specialist EU Immigration Solicitor.

No fee for post-Brexit EU Settled Status Scheme

Theresa May has announced that the £65 fee for adults and £32.50 fee for children who will apply for post-Brexit EU Settled Status will be waived. Further, anyone has already applied under the Settled Status pilot will have their fees reimbursed. The Prime Minister stated in front of the House of Commons that:

“I can confirm today that when we roll out the scheme in full on 30 March, the government will waive the application fee so that there is no financial barrier for any EU nationals who wish to stay. Anyone who has applied during the pilot phase will have their fee reimbursed.”

It will also be free to apply if a valid ‘UK permanent residence indefinite leave to remain in or enter the UK is already held.

This is welcome news as many campaigners had argued that EU citizens should not have to pay for to apply for their right to stay in the UK when they had come to the UK in the expectation that they could exercise their Treaty Rights and live free of Immigration control.

What is the post-Brexit EU Settled Status Scheme?

EU citizens and their family members will be able to apply to the EU Settled Status Scheme in order to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. If the application is successful, they will be granted either settled status or pre-settled status. Settled Status will be granted if the eligible Applicant has started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and you have 5 years continuous residence in the UK. Applicants who do not have 5 years continuous residence in the UK may apply for Pre-Settled Status. Successful Applicants will be able to stay in the UK for a further 5 years from the date they are granted Pre-Settled Status, but they must apply again and get Settled Status if they want to remain in the UK for longer.

Having Settled Status will allow eligible individuals to work in the UK, use the NHS, enrol in or continue education, have access public funds such as benefits and pensions and travel freely in and out of the UK. The EU Settled Status Scheme will be fully open by 30 March 2019 and the deadline for Applicants to apply will be 30 June 2012 or 31 December 2020 if the UK leaves the EU with no deal.

Using Legal Representation to apply for post-Brexit EU Settled Status

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 EU Settled Status application.

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 EU Settled Status application 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 EU Settled Status application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful post-Brexit EU Settled Status Applications

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 EU Settled Status application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your EU 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 EU Settled Status application. 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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