29th October 2020

Brexit: EU Pre-Settled & Settled Status

Brexit: EU Settled Status, what it means for you?

As Britain prepares to leave the EU on December 31st 2020, EU nationals need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to gain ‘EU Settled Status’ with the UK government, in order to stay in the UK. The deadline for applications is 30th June 2021. Depending on how long you’ve been living in the UK prior to the Brexit deadline, you will either be given ‘settled status’ or ‘pre-settled status’. 

This article will help you understand the difference between each and cover a range of frequently asked questions in relation to Brexit and relocating to England from the EU to teach with us.

The difference between ‘pre-settled’ and ‘settled’ status

Pre settled status applies to any EU, EEA, Swiss citizens and their family members who have lived in the UK for less than five years. The immigration status is currently called Limited Leave to Remain.

Settled status applies to any EU, EEA, Swiss citizens and their family members, who have lived in the UK for at least five years, during which time they spent less than six months abroad in any 12-month period (unless for compulsory military service, a single absence of 6-12 months may be allowed for an “important reason”). The UK immigration status is currently called Indefinite Leave to Remain. 

How long are they valid for?

Pre settled status lasts for five years, but you will lose it if you leave the UK for a period of two consecutive years. Settled status is granted forever, but you will lose it if you leave the UK for a period of five consecutive years (four years for Swiss citizens).

How can I move from pre-settled to settled?

If you’ve already been given pre-settled status, you can apply to change this after you’ve reached five years residence in the UK. You can find out more here. It’s important to note that you need to do this before your pre-settled status expires.

What are your rights with pre-settled or settled status?

With either status, you’ll be able to work in the UK, use the NHS for free, enrol in education or continue studying, access public funds such as benefits and pensions and travel in and out of the UK.

What are my employment rights?

If you’re classed as pre-settled, you’ll enjoy the same rights to live, work and healthcare, but the pre-settled status does not count as “right to reside” for the purposes of welfare benefits. If you have settled status, you’ll have the same rights to live in the UK, work, have access to healthcare and welfare as UK citizens as your settled status is evidence that you have a right to reside in the UK.

Can I apply for UK citizenship?

You can apply for UK Citizenship if you have held settled status for one year – unless you are married to a British citizen.

Useful Links

• EU Family Application information can be viewed here
• More information about Settled status can be viewed here 

How do I relocate to England after 31st December 2020?

We’ve been supporting European teachers relocate to England to teach with us for years, and we’d love to continue supporting them after the Brexit deadline. The UK government has created a new immigration system to allow EU and non-EU nationals to be able to relocate to England. The new system is points-based and includes minimum salary requirements. We’ll be updating our blog to include information about this in full shortly.