Pre-settled vs settled status
The main differences between pre-settled and settled status.
|
Pre-Settled |
Settled |
---|---|---|
What is it? |
UK immigration status called Limited Leave to Remain |
UK immigration status called Indefinite Leave to Remain |
Who is it for? |
EU, EEA, Swiss citizens and their family members who:
|
|
have lived in the UK for less than five years. |
have lived in the UK for at least five years, during which time they spent less than 6 months abroad in any 12 month period (unless for compulsory military service; a single absence of 6 12 months may be allowed for an “important reason”). This is called “continuous residence.” |
|
How long is it granted for? |
For five years, but you will lose it if you leave the UK for a period of 2 consecutive years. In addition, your period of “continuous residence” resets to 0 if you spend over 6 months abroad in any 12-month period. (But see this FAQ). This means you will lose the ability to change your pre-settled status to settled. It can also be revoked for subsequent criminal offending. |
Forever, but you will lose it if you leave the UK for a period of 5 consecutive years (4 years for Swiss citizens). It can also be revoked for subsequent criminal offending. |
When do I need to re-apply? |
You need to re-apply to change your pre-settled status to settled before your pre-settled status expires. You will be able to do this as soon as you accrue 5 years of “continuous residence”. (But see this FAQ) |
Never! |
What are my
|
You will enjoy the same rights to live, work, and healthcare as you do now. Pre-settled status is not a “right to reside” for the |
You will enjoy the same rights to live, work, healthcare and welfare as UK citizens, as your settled status is evidence that you have a right to reside in the UK. |
Can I apply for UK Citizenship? |
Perhaps, you need to be settled in the UK before you can apply - see this FAQ for more details. |
Not necessarily. The requirements for |
What status will my child get? |
If you have pre-settled status and you link your child’s application to yours, your child will get pre-settled status. However, also see this FAQ. |
If you have settled status and you link your child’s application to yours, your child will get settled status. |
Note: this is a simplified overview of main differences. If you have concerns about your eligibility, in particular whether a criminal record will interfere with your application, you should seek advice.
Do not wait to claim Universal Credit if you were made involuntarily unemployed
This is especially important for pre-settled status holders. You must claim as soon as you lose your job. Do not wait.