What Is EUSS and Why Is It Important for EU Citizens Residing in the UK?

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) is a program introduced by the UK government to allow citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland to continue living in the UK after Brexit. Following the UK's exit from the EU on January 31, 2020, the transition period will end on December 31, 2020, after which all EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens living in the UK will have to apply for EUSS to continue their legal residence in the country.

The Benefits of EUSS

By obtaining EUSS, EU citizens will be able to exercise their rights to live, work, and study in the UK without any restrictions. They will also be able to access the UK's public services, such as healthcare and education. Moreover, obtaining EUSS will provide a sense of security for EU citizens and their families as it allows them to stay in the UK for an extended period.

Eligibility for EUSS

EU citizens, EEA citizens, and Swiss citizens who were residing in the UK before December 31, 2020, are eligible to apply for EUSS. They must also prove their identity, evidence of residence, and declare any criminal convictions. EU citizens who have continuously resided in the UK for five years or more will be eligible for settled status, allowing them to remain indefinitely in the country. If they have been living in the UK for less than five years, they will be eligible for pre-settled status, enabling them to continue residing in the UK and apply for settled status after five years of residence.

The Application Procedure

EU citizens can apply for EUSS online, through a smartphone app, or by post. They must provide their biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph, and pay a fee of ￡65 per adult and ￡32.50 per child under 16 for the application. The application process is simple and takes around 20 minutes to complete. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive either settled or pre-settled status and a digital proof of status confirmations. They will not receive a physical document, and their status will be linked to their passport or ID card. Therefore, EUSS applicants are advised to update their passport or ID card with their current address in the UK.

The Deadline for Applying

The deadline for applying for EUSS is June 30, 2021. EU citizens who fail to apply for EUSS before the deadline will lose their right to live and work in the UK and may face deportation. However, in exceptional circumstances, the UK government may consider applications received after the deadline.

In Conclusion

EUSS is crucial for EU citizens residing in the UK to continue their legal residence in the country. By applying for EUSS, EU citizens can access the UK's public services, work and study without any restrictions, and remain in the UK with their families. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online, through a smartphone app, or by post. EUSS applicants are encouraged to apply early and before the deadline of June 30, 2021, to avoid any potential complications.