Expert Immigration Solicitors
Brexit has understandably been a source of anxiety for many EU nationals and their family members living in the UK – and indeed for those looking to move to the UK.
All EU nationals and their family members needed to register via the EU Settlement Scheme by the deadline of 30 June 2021. Late applications are possible in some circumstances – contact us to discuss your case.
Furthermore, Brexit is causing many EU nationals to seek the most secure form of immigration status: British citizenship.
The EU Settlement Scheme is the UK Government’s response to Brexit and is a mandatory system of registration for all EU nationals and their family members.
Those who have been living in the UK for five continuous years prior to the relevant cut-off point are granted Settled Status, which is a form of indefinite leave to remain. Those with fewer than five years’ continuous residence are granted Pre-Settled Status.
There are two important dates which apply to the Scheme: the cut-off point by which new arrivals are eligible for the Scheme and the deadline to register on the Scheme.
EU nationals who arrived in the UK up until 31 December 2020 were eligible to register for the Scheme. Family members arriving after this date could also be eligible for the Scheme in many circumstances, provided their relationship with the EU national had formed by 31 December 2020.
There was a separate deadline to register for the Scheme: 31 June 2021.
It’s possible to make a ‘late’ application to the EU Settlement Scheme even though the deadline has now passed. We’ve helped a number of people successfully obtain their status through a late application.
Many EU nationals and their family members will want the most secure immigration status of all: British citizenship.
If you want to apply for citizenship based on Settled Status then you will need to wait for at least one full year, unless you are married to a British citizen, in which case you can apply for citizenship as soon as you are issued with Settled Status (subject to you meeting all of the other requirements for naturalisation).
However, if you are in a rush to get citizenship then there might be a quicker way. In many cases, and perhaps counterintuitively, applying for a permanent residence document under the ‘old system’ will allow you to apply to naturalise more quickly than if you register under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Unlike with Settled Status which must normally be held for a full year before applying to naturalise, those who are issued with a permanent residence document might be able to apply to naturalise as soon as they are issued with a permanent residence document. However, this would require careful preparation of the permanent residence application to show that the individual acquired a right of permanent residence at least a year prior.
If you are an EU national or family member looking to secure your status in the UK then we can advise you on your options and assist you with any application.
At Truth Legal we have Immigration solicitor Louis MacWilliam who heads up our Immigration Team. With over 11 years’ experience as a dedicated Immigration specialist, Louis is one of the few genuine immigration experts in the area.
Are you an EU national or family member looking to secure your status? Book a consultation with us today.
Truth Legal was founded on the idea of putting ethics at the centre of legal services.
Ethical working is at our core: in treating people fairly, being open and honest, and taking social responsibility. We sponsor a large section of woodland near Harrogate, planting a tree for every one of the clients we represent.
We believe a good lawyer shouldn’t just offer technical expertise, but a real understanding of what you’re going through and how best to help you.
Above all, our team are dedicated to their clients – whether that is guiding them through legal complexities, securing compensation, or simply fighting for what’s right.
We won’t blind you with jargon – we give advice clearly. And when technical terms can’t be avoided we explain them in full.
In contrast to some firms, we don’t overload our lawyers with cases. Our team provide clients with a more personal service, meaning we can dedicate the proper time to your matter.
Just read our client reviews to see what a difference this can make.
Head Office
14 Victoria Avenue
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG1 1ED
Harrogate 01423 788 538
Leeds 0113 483 1200
© 2022 Truth Legal Ltd is registered in England & Wales (08031477), VAT Registered (135 2552 31),
Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (568741).
Website by browndog.agency
