What is the New 30-Month Rule for EU Settled Status?
If you’re an EU citizen or a family member navigating your path to Settled Status in the UK, major changes from July 2025 could work in your favour, but only if you act strategically. The Statement of Changes HC 836, effective 16 July 2025, brings flexibility to how your UK residency is assessed. Now, instead of proving five continuous years of residence with strict absence rules, you may qualify by showing 30 months of UK presence in the last 60 months.
At Lexvisa, our specialist immigration lawyers know how to apply this new rule to your unique situation. We guide you through the process with precision, helping you avoid common pitfalls and maximise your chances of success.
How Could the New Rules Help If I Broke Continuous Residence?
Worried your absences from the UK might have broken your continuous residence? You’re not alone. Many pre-settled status holders unintentionally failed to meet the previous strict criteria, particularly with extended time abroad or confusion around COVID-related exceptions.
Now, thanks to the more flexible 30-month rule, you may still qualify for Settled Status, even if you were absent for over six months in a 12-month period. This means there’s renewed hope for thousands of EU nationals and their families.
But eligibility is only half the battle. You need to present your case effectively to the Home Office. That’s where Lexvisa’s expert immigration team steps in. We don’t just follow the changes, we stay ahead of them to protect your future in the UK.
Do I Still Need to Apply if I Have Pre-Settled Status?
From January 2025, the Home Office began automatically converting pre-settled status to settled status where possible. However, automatic upgrades are not guaranteed. If your continuous residence is in doubt, you risk falling through the cracks, potentially jeopardising your long-term right to remain in the UK.
Our leading immigration specialists provide tailored assessments of your immigration history to ensure you’re not left behind. We identify risks early, prepare thorough evidence, and manage your application from start to finish.
What Does the Home Office Mean by 30 Months of Residence?
While the rule states 30 months out of 60 must have been spent in the UK, the Home Office has not clarified how a ‘month’ is calculated. Does it mean 913 days? Is 912.5 acceptable?
Rather than guess, trust our experienced immigration lawyers to handle your case with caution and care. At Lexvisa, we go above and beyond to calculate your eligibility based on the most favourable interpretation, always backed by solid evidence.
Can I Use Any 30 Months Since 2020?
Yes. Another critical win for applicants. Previously, your qualifying residence had to begin before 31 December 2020. That restriction has now been lifted. You can choose any 30 months within the most recent 60-month period, regardless of when they started.
This change opens the door for people who returned to the UK later or experienced long absences. At Lexvisa, we know how to craft winning strategies using the new rules. We identify your strongest 30-month window and present it in a way that meets Home Office expectations.
Why Choose Lexvisa for Your EUSS Settled Status Application?
At Lexvisa, we’re not just another law firm, we’re a leading London immigration firm with a proven track record of success. Our team of expert immigration lawyers is on the front line of every legal change, turning complex updates into clear, actionable solutions for our clients.
With the July 2025 EUSS changes, many EU citizens have a second chance at securing their future in the UK. But don’t leave it to chance. Let us handle your application, from eligibility assessment to final submission.
- Tailored advice based on your travel and residency history
- Detailed calculation of qualifying months and absences
- Expert representation with the Home Office
- Transparent pricing and efficient service
Your future in the UK deserves expert protection, instruct Lexvisa today.
FAQs: EUSS Changes and Settled Status
What is the new rule for settled status in 2025?
You can now qualify if you’ve lived in the UK for 30 months out of the last 60 months, even if your residence was not continuous.
What if I was absent for more than 6 months?
The new rules allow for high levels of absence, as long as you meet the 30/60-month test.
Do I still need to apply if I have pre-settled status?
Not always. Some are upgraded automatically, but many are not. It’s safer to have your case reviewed by a specialist.
When did the changes come into effect?
The changes apply to applications made on or after 16 July 2025.
Can I choose any 30 months?
Yes, any 30 months within the last 5 years can be used.
Need help understanding how the new rules apply to you?
Contact Lexvisa today and speak to our expert immigration team. We’ll help you stay, live, and thrive in the UK with confidence.