Home Office confirms changes to the EU Settlement Scheme

The Home Office have changed the duration of pre-settled status extensions from 2 to 5 years. Previously, initially issued pre-settled status for five years, could be automatically extended for 2 more years.

The Home Office have also removed the pre-settled status expiry date from the digital profiles shown to third parties in the online checking services for Right to Work, Right to Rent and View and Prove. Preivously, when shown in the digital profiles, the expiry date was clearly provided and stipulated.

Alongside this change, employers, landlords and letting agents will not be required to conduct a further right to work or rent check where the individual remains in their employment or as part of that tenancy agreement. 

One change takes effect from today: holders of pre-settled status will no longer lose their status because of residence abroad for two years, as it was the case before. Instead, the period will be the same as for holders of settled status: five years normally, and four years for Swiss nationals and their family members.

Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme announced today will ensure that all those granted pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme can continue to prove their rights easily, and bring greater clarity for those who are required to check immigration status, such as employers and landlords.  

The EU Settlement Scheme has been a great success. As of 31 December 2023, 5.7 million people had secured their rights in the UK through the scheme, with 2 million holding pre-settled status and 3.7 million holding settled status.