UK: Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme

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