The UK government has now released details of the “settled status” scheme which EU nationals in the UK will use to apply for permanent residence after Brexit. Sajid Javid confirmed the government’s default position will be to grant, not refuse, settled status. The government has also provided clarity on application fees and Comprehensive Sickness Insurance, which will no longer be required.
Key points from the announcement include:
- EU citizens and their family members do not need to do anything immediately, the process to apply for ‘settled status’ will be phased in later this year and fully functional by 31 March 2019
- There will be no change to EU citizens current rights until the end of the implementation period on 31 December 2020 and the deadline for applications to the scheme for those resident here by the end of 2020 will be 30 June 2021
- The process is expected to be straightforward and the default position will be to grant applications rather than refuse. Case workers will have scope to engage with applicants and help them gather the documents required for the application
- An application under the scheme will cost £65; applications from children under 16 will cost £32.50. Those with PR documents will not be required to pay a fee
- There will be no requirement to have held Comprehensive Sickness Insurance or generally to detail the exercise of specific rights (e.g. right to work)
The proposals are generally positive but there is no doubt that the Home Office is embarking on a hugely complex project within a tight timescale.
We will be covering key elements of the proposal in the coming weeks.