Wednesday 30 June 2021, was the deadline for applications to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members, who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020.

More than six million applications were made to the EU Settlement Scheme before the 30 June deadline, marking an astonishing success in protecting the rights of EU citizens in the UK.

The statistics released today (Friday 2 July) show there were 6.02 million applications made to the scheme by 30 June with 5.1 million grants of status. There have been more than 5.3 million applications from England, 291,200 from Scotland, 98,600 from Wales, and 98,400 from Northern Ireland.  

The surge in applications, including more than 400,000 in June alone, means that there are around 570,000 pending applications. The Government has repeatedly assured those who applied before the deadline that they will have their rights protected until their application is decided, as set out in law, and they have the means to prove their protected rights if needed. 

A full statistics report highlighting details of applications made by the end of June 2021 will be published in due course.  

The Home Office would like to thank you for all your support throughout the scheme.

Changes from 1 July 2021

From Thursday 1 July 2021, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members are now required to obtain a valid UK immigration status to be in the UK, either through the EUSS, if they were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 or are a joining family member, or through a valid visa.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can expect to be asked to show their digital status to prove their right to work or their right to rent to landlords in England. Other departments, such as HMRC, DWP and the NHS, will have automatic access to their status to check a person’s eligibility for free healthcare, benefits and access to public funds.

Pending applications

Anyone who made an application by the 30 June 2021 deadline will have their existing rights protected, pending the outcome of their application. Applicants are issued with a Certificate of Application, which can be relied on to evidence their rights.

Their Certificate of Application will be available in their view and prove account or will be sent to them by post. Landlords and employers can also use the Home Office view and prove service to confirm protected rights for an individual.

The Home Office will contact any applicant where we need further information to progress their application.

Reasonable grounds for late applications

Late applications can be made to the EUSS by EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 and who were not able to apply by the deadline, and they should do so as soon as possible.

 We have published non-exhaustive guidance on reasonable grounds for missing the deadline on GOV.UK. This sets out a wide range of circumstances which are reasonable grounds for a late application, including, but not limited to:

• Where a parent, guardian or Local Authority has failed to apply on behalf of a child
• Where a person has or had a serious medical condition, which meant they were unable to apply by the relevant deadline
• If someone is a victim of modern slavery or is in an abusive relationship
• Someone who is isolated, vulnerable or did not have the digital skills to access the application process
• Where a person was unable to apply by the relevant deadline for compelling practical or compassionate reasons – including in light of the COVID-19 pandemic

Late applications should be made online at www.gov.uk/eusettlementscheme  as soon as possible.

Help is still available

The Home Office will continue to ensure that the EUSS is accessible and supports vulnerable applicants with flexibility and sensitivity. Protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens is a fundamental principle of the EUSS. The grant funded network of 72 charities and local authorities across the UK will continue to support vulnerable and hard to reach applicants at least until the end of September 2021.

To find organisations that offer support in your area please click here: www.gov.uk/help-eu-settlement-scheme

Important information

We have published a new guide for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens on viewing and proving their immigration status (eVisa). The guide explains how people can view and prove their immigration status and update their details, what they should expect when crossing the UK border, and how to get help accessing their immigration status.

It is important that EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members keep their personal details up to date and inform the Home Office if their travel document changes, using the view and prove service.

We will be publishing further information guides for applicants and late applicants on GOV.UK over the coming days.

We will continue to send you regular updates on the scheme and the new points-based immigration system.