eVisa: UK settled status check for EU Settlement scheme & more

If you're wondering how to do a UK settled status check or need information about your UK eVisa, you're in the right place. Let’s explore what each status means, how they differ, and the next steps you should take if you're uncertain about your status.

Do you have settled or pre-settled status in the UK?

If you applied to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), you may have either settled status or pre-settled status in the UK.

UK settled status check for EU Settlement scheme.

UK settled status meaning

Settled status refers to a type of immigration status granted to individuals who have lived in the UK for at least 5 continuous years. It is part of the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), which allows EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens (and their family members) to remain in the UK after Brexit.

UK pre-settled status meaning

Pre-settled status is a temporary immigration status granted to EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens (and their family members) who have lived in the UK for less than 5 years under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

UK settled status vs pre-settled status

	UK settled status	UK pre-settled status
Eligibility	EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who have lived in the UK for 5 continuous years	EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who have lived in the UK for less than 5 years
Duration	Indefinite (permanent status)	Temporary (until 5 years of residence are completed)
Right to stay	Permanent right to live, work, and study in the UK	Right to live, work, and study in the UK until 5 years of residence are completed
Access to benefits	Full access to public services and benefits	Access to public services and benefits, subject to eligibility
Pathway to citizenship	Eligible to apply for British citizenship after 12 months	Eligible to apply for settled status after 5 years of residence
Travel	Unlimited travel in and out of the UK	Travel in and out of the UK, but status may be affected if you are absent for more than 2 years
Family members	Can bring eligible family members to live in the UK	Can bring eligible family members to live in the UK during the pre-settled period
Security of status	Permanent and secure, as long as residence is maintained	Temporary; must apply for settled status after 5 years
Application deadline	No further application required once granted	Must apply for settled status once you reach 5 years of residence

It's important to note that the EUSS application window closed on 30 June 2021. However, certain individuals may still be eligible to apply under specific circumstances, such as joining family members who have settled or pre-settled status.

How to check UK settled status & share

To check your UK Settled Status, you can follow these steps:

Create a UKVI account: If you applied to the EU Settlement Scheme or for a UK visa, you likely already have one. Here is a detailed guide about how to create a UKVI account and access your UK e-Visa.
Confirm your identity: Link your account to your passport or national ID.
Use the “View and Prove” service: Generate a UK share code to prove your status to employers, landlords, or government agencies.

Please be aware that immigration policies can change. For instance, recent proposals suggest tightening criteria for permanent settlement, including extending the qualifying period and introducing stricter requirements.

FAQs

What is EU Settlement Scheme?

The EU Settlement Scheme is a program that allows EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, and their family members, to stay in the UK after Brexit.

What is UK eVisa?

The UK eVisa (Online immigration status) is an electronic visa linked to your passport or ID, removing the need for physical documents like visa stickers or BRPs. It confirms your immigration status, enabling you to live, work, or study in the UK.

Settlement status for child born in UK

A child born in the UK may be eligible for settled status if one or both parents have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. If the parent has settled status, the child can get settled status immediately. If the parent has pre-settled status, the child may be granted pre-settled status until they meet the 5-year residency requirement. If the parents do not have settled or pre-settled status, the child may need to apply for a visa or other immigration status.

Can you qualify for settled status before five years?

Yes, in some cases, you may be granted settled status earlier if:

You are the child of someone with settled status.
You stopped working in the UK due to retirement or permanent disability.
You started working in an EU country while still maintaining residence in the UK.

How long can you stay out of the UK with settled status?

With UK settled status: You can stay abroad for up to five years without losing your status (four years if you are Swiss).
With UK pre-settled status: You must spend at least six months in the UK every year to keep your status. If you stay outside the UK for more than two years, you will lose your pre-settled status.

How much time for settled status & how it's calculated?

To qualify for settled status, you must have spent at least six months in the UK per year for five consecutive years. However, certain absences will not break your continuous residence, including:

One absence of up to 12 months for an important reason (e.g., childbirth, study, serious illness, or an overseas work posting).
Compulsory military service of any length.
Time spent abroad as a Crown servant or armed forces member.
Working in the UK marine area.
Extended absence due to COVID-19 (subject to eligibility).

If you exceed 12 months outside the UK for any other reason, you may lose your eligibility for settled status.