Introduction
Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme announced at the end of May are aimed at ensuring 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.
Impact:
Medium
What has changed?
Below is a short summary of the main changes to the EU Settlement Scheme:
- The expiry date will be removed from the online record of an EU Pre-Settled status holder, meaning employers and landlords will need to only undertake the initial Right to Work or Right to Rent check without any further check in the future.
- Right to Work and Right to Rent checks for EU Pre-Settled status holders will continue to be required from landlords and employers using the online checking service.
- The Home Office has amended the duration of pre-Settled status extensions from 2 to 5 years. The extension will be reflected in the holders digital status. The Home Office will also contact the holder directly to advise of this. Irrespective of this, the Home Office will continue to encourage EEA nationals to apply for settled status in the UK if eligible in order to remain indefinitely in the UK.
Who is affected?
Employers and landlords must continue to check the person they are employing or renting to has the right to work or rent in the UK. These checks are carried out on all nationalities using the Home Office online checking service.
What to expect /impact?
Due to the fact that the Home Office has now removed the pre-settled status expiry date from the digital profiles shown to third parties all 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.
What you need to do
For further information on changes to visa system and work routes, please contact the Sterling Lexicon immigration team at immigration@sterlinglexicon.com
Leanne Cottrell
As Head of Immigration with Sterling Lexicon, Leanne leads a team of specialists who are responsible for ensuring the entire immigration process is smooth and stress-free for clients, assignees and their accompanying family members. She brings over fifteen years of experience in strategic immigration management, planning and consultation to her role, and has cultivated invaluable knowledge and experience in processing countless global migration applications. As a trusted partner, she consults with clients on everything from policy considerations and cost or efficiency improvements, to the impact of opening offices in new locations. Leanne is a frequent presenter and author on global immigration topics and trends, and currently serves as a member of the Worldwide ERC (WERC) Immigration Advisory Council.
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