The United Kingdom is creating a new Settled Status for European Union nationals and their family members residing in the UK. This new designation arose from an agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The new Settled Status replaces the current permanent residence status that is granted under EU Law.
Negotiations pertaining to the UK’s exit from the EU, also known as BREXIT, continue on specific matters pertaining to the exit process.
What are the important timeline dates?
The Month of March 2019: The application process will be fully open
March 29, 2019: The United Kingdom exits the European Union
The Timeframe from March 30, 2019 through December 31, 2020: Implementation Period for BREXIT
December 31, 2020: Five Year Residency deadline for EU citizens and immediate family members residing in the UK
June 30, 2021: The deadline for applying for the new Settled Status
Who is eligible to apply for the new Settled Status?
- All European Union nationals and their qualifying family members (spouses, unmarried and civil partners, children) living in the UK on a continuous basis for five years up to December 31, 2020.
- NOTE: A fee comparable to the current cost of a UK passport (£80) will apply.
- All European Union nationals who arrive in the UK prior to the December 31, 2020 deadline, have not met the five year residency rule, but who do want to remain in the UK.
- NOTE: Must apply for temporary “pre-Settled Status” permission to reside in the UK until they meet the requirements for the new Settled Status.
- NOTE: A fee comparable to the current cost of a UK passport (£80) will apply.
- Immediate family members of European Union nationals who arrive in the UK prior to the December 31, 2020 deadline, have not met the five year residency rule, but who do want to remain in the UK—ONLY if the family relationship existed BEFORE December 31, 2020.
- NOTE: Must apply for temporary “pre-Settled Status” permission to reside in the UK until they meet the requirements for the new Settled Status.
- NOTE: A fee comparable to the current cost of a UK passport (£80) will apply.
- Current EU citizens residing in the UK who hold permanent residence status or plan to do so before December 31, 2020 must exchange this document for the new Settled Status in order to continue residing in the UK after the deadline.
- NOTE: There should be no fee to exchange this document if the EU citizen currently holds permanent residence status.
What is the process to apply for the new Settled Status?
The United Kingdom Home Office will be introducing a new online application process. This new process will eliminate the current requirement to complete an application form and provide several supporting documents. The Home Office notes that the new process will link to relevant government departments. Also, the new process will synchronize records to automatically confirm data such as the applicant’s work history.
Applicants for the new Settled Status, or those applying for temporary permission to reside in the UK until they meet the residency requirements for Settled Status, must prove their identity and nationality. Acceptable documents include a current passport, Identification Card, and a recent photograph. Applicants must also declare any criminal convictions on their records.
When will the new Settled Status application system be in use?
The United Kingdom Home Office is targeting the application system to be fully open by March 2019.
What should employers do?
Companies that have current EU national employees residing in the United Kingdom should review their eligibility under the new Settled Status requirements and plan accordingly. EU national employees and their family members should learn about and understand the UK’s new residency and application requirements if they wish to remain in the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with their country-specific employment, visa, and residency requirements. We can help your company understand how to respond effectively to the United Kingdom’s new Settled Status. Learn how to navigate the changing residency landscape during BREXIT from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.
Sam Hoey | CRP, GMS
Senior Vice President, Global Account Management Sam joined Global Mobility Solutions in 1996 and has a unique perspective with her 25 years of industry experience. Samantha offers her clients relocation expertise and a commitment to excellence in her. Her proficiency in orchestrating the BVO and GPO Programs, as well as relocation policy design and implementation, are invaluable assets to the accounts she manages. Her experience in administering Pre-Decision Relocation services to enhance the recruiting process further demonstrates her unique abilities to service her clients. Samantha’s diverse experience, leadership, and outstanding communication skills enable her to manage the relocation process for her clients with finesse and polished professionalism.
