At Sterling Shore Solicitors, we provide specialist legal advice on the EU Settlement Scheme and related EEA/EU rights. Whether you are making a late application, applying to move from pre-settled status to settled status, or seeking to establish your rights following a change in your family circumstances our immigration lawyers, solicitors and barristers can assess your circumstances and advise you on the most appropriate route.
Can I still apply under the EU Settlement Scheme?
Although the main application deadline has passed, eligible individuals can still make an application in certain circumstances.
You may still be able to apply if:
- You have reasonable grounds for why you did not apply by the relevant deadline;
- You are an eligible family member joining or remaining with an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020;
- You have a later deadline that applies to your particular circumstances; or
- You already hold pre-settled status and are eligible to apply for settled status.
The Home Office considers late applications on the individual circumstances of the applicant. Where an application is being made after the relevant deadline, you will generally need to explain why you did not apply earlier and provide appropriate evidence supporting the reasons for the delay.
Applying for settled status
If you currently hold pre-settled status you may be eligible to move to settled status once you meet the relevant residence requirements.
The Home Office has also introduced processes for the extension and automatic conversion of some pre-settled status holders. However, eligible individuals can still make their own application for settled status where appropriate.
Our solicitors can assess your residence history and circumstances and advise whether you may qualify for settled status.
Retained rights & EEA/EU family rights
There may also be circumstances where an individual's rights under the EU Settlement Scheme are affected by changes in their family or personal circumstances.
Depending on the circumstances, this can include situations involving:
- The death of an EU, EEA or Swiss family member;
- Divorce or the breakdown of a relationship;
- Retained rights of residence;
- Children and dependent family members;
- Family members joining an eligible person in the UK; and
- Other circumstances covered by the Withdrawal Agreement and the EU Settlement Scheme.
The rules surrounding retained rights and family relationships can be complex, and eligibility will depend on the precise circumstances and relevant dates.
If you missed the original EUSS deadline, hold pre-settled status, are seeking settled status or believe you may have retained rights under the EUSS, it is important to obtain advice based on your individual circumstances.
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Can I apply without a solicitor?
UK immigration law is governed by complex legislation, detailed Immigration Rules and strict Home Office guidance. Every visa category has specific requirements that must be satisfied, and even minor errors or omissions can result in an application being delayed or refused.
Seeking specialist legal advice at the outset can significantly reduce the risk of avoidable mistakes. Applicants who prepare and submit their own applications often underestimate the complexity of the Immigration Rules, increasing the risk of refusal and the loss of substantial Home Office fees.
When you instruct Sterling Shore Solicitors, your matter will be handled by a specialist immigration solicitor with the expertise best suited to your individual circumstances. From initial instruction through to final decision, we will prepare your application, advise you on the evidence required, liaise with the Home Office where appropriate and provide comprehensive legal representation throughout your case.
Our bespoke end-to-end service, technical expertise, meticulous preparation and proven track record have earned us a reputation for delivering exceptional legal representation across all areas of UK immigration and nationality law.