How to Switch from Pre-Settled to Settled Status in the UK?

Do you currently have a pre-settled status in the United Kingdom? If so, your next step is to apply for settled status once you become eligible. Pre-settled status is temporary and is intended to help eligible individuals qualify for permanent residence under the EU Settlement Scheme. Keep in mind that your pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme lasts only for 5 years.

After the 5 years are complete, it will usually extend itself for another 5 years. However, it is advised that you switch from Pre-settled to Settled status as soon as you can since the extension of your Pre-settled status means you have more time to switch.

Read the blog below to learn more about how to maintain your current immigration status and the steps to switch to Settled status.

What is Pre-settled Status?

Pre-settled status is temporary permission to live, work and study in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme. It is granted to eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, as well as certain family members, who have not yet completed the continuous residence required for settled status. Once you have completed the qualifying residence period, you can apply to switch from pre-settled to settled status without waiting for your current status to expire.

What is the Difference Between Pre-settled and Settled status?

Understanding the difference between pre-settled and settled status can help you know when to apply and what benefits each status provides.

How to Check If You Meet the 5-Year Residence Requirement?

To check whether you have lived in the UK for 5 years, you must first be a citizen of the European Union, EEA or Switzerland.

Having EU, EEA or Swiss Citizenship

• Your 5-year period begins the moment you move to the United Kingdom.
• It is not based on the day you got your Pre-settled status.
• You must apply for a Settled status before your Pre-settled status expires.
• You must do this once you have lived in the UK for 5 years. Remember, you do not have to wait for your Pre-settled status to expire to apply for the Settled status.

If you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland

The 5-year residence rules vary depending on whether you are a close or extended family member.

You are a close family member if:

• You are a husband, wife or civil partner
• You are a dependent parent or grandparent
• You are a child or grandchild under 21 years of age
• You are a dependent child aged 21 or above

In such cases, your 5-year period starts either on the day you moved to the UK or on the day you became a close family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.

You are an extended family member if:

• You are a long-term partner who is not married or in a civil partnership
• You are a brother or a sister
• You are an aunt or an uncle
• You are a niece or a nephew
• You are cousins

If you have a family permit when moving to the UK, your 5 years start on that day. If you don't, your 5 years will start on the day you get a residence card.

What Happens If You Cannot Switch to Settled Status After 5 Years?

If you are unable to switch to the Settled status, you can:

1. Apply for Settled Status During the 5-year Extension Period

• You can add the time of your original period of Pre-settled status and the extension period
• Afterwards, you can apply for Settled status when you have lived in the UK for 5 continuous years.
• Make sure the status of your family members has also been extended.
• If it is not, you can contact the EU Settlement Scheme Resolution Centre.

2. Make a New Application to get Pre-settled Status for Another 5 Years

• You must apply for Settled status before your Pre-settled status expires
• In some situations, you can usually add the time from both periods of the Pre-settled status.
• You can then apply for settled status once you have completed the required period of continuous residence in the UK.
• Keep in mind you might be able to get the Pre-settled status again by applying as a family member. 
• You can do this if you have a family member from the EU, EEA or Switzerland who already has the Pre-settled or Settled status. However, they must have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020.
• You can apply as a family member whether or not your first period of Pre-settled status was as a family member.

What Happens If You Are Outside The UK for More Than 6 Months?

If you are spending more than 6 months outside the UK within any 12 months, you may be unable to get the Settled status. However, there are a few exceptions to this. 

• You are still eligible for the Settled status if you are outside the UK for 12 months for an important reason such as pregnancy or education
• If the 5-year residence you need for Settled status is broken by absences, you are still eligible to qualify if you have spent a total of at least 2 and a half years in the UK in the last 5 years.
• Keep in mind that it should not have to be 2 and a half years in a row.

What Documents Can Prove Your Continuous Residence?

If the Home Office cannot automatically confirm your residence through government records, you may be asked to provide additional evidence. Some commonly accepted documents include:

• P60s or P45s
• Payslips
• Bank statements
• Utility bills
• Council tax bills
• Tenancy agreements
• Employer letters
• HMRC records

Providing accurate documents can help support your settled status application if additional evidence is required.

Also Want to Know About Attestation of Documents in UK? Check Now!

Which Identity Documents Are Required for Settled Status?

Here is a list of documents necessary to apply for Settled status.

• Your identity documents will be your passport and national identity card if you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.
• If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, your identity document will be your passport, biometric residence card or biometric residence permit.
• Remember to use the same identity document you used when you applied for the pre-settled status.
• If you have changed your identity document, you must update your UK Visa and Immigration account with details of your new identity document. 
• Make sure you do this before planning to switch to Settled status.

How to Apply for Switch to Settled Status?

To do this, you must first submit a new application. This will look almost the same as when you applied for Pre-settled status in the past. For this, you need:

• A valid ID document
• Phone number
• Email address
• Your National Insurance number

You can also use the EU Exit: ID Document Check app on your mobile to confirm your identity by:

• Taking a photo of your passport
• Scanning your passport
• Scanning your face
• Taking your own photo

The app will automatically recognise your email and phone number if you are using the same ID document that is linked to your eVisa account. If not, then you will have to verify both of your contact details. You can also apply via the UK Government website, but it will require you to send your ID document to the Home Office by post.

For the next stage of the application, you must provide:

• Your home address 
• National insurance number
• Date of your arrival in the United Kingdom
• You must disclose any criminal activity you have had either in the UK or any other country, or any criminal cases that are currently taking place.
• You must also provide the Unique Application Number of your previous application for Pre-settled status.
• This is done so that the Home Office can check that you already have the Pre-settled status and want to change it to Settled status.

How Long Does It Take to Get Settled Status?

The processing time for a settled status application depends on your individual circumstances. Many straightforward applications are processed within a few days, while applications requiring additional checks or supporting documents may take several weeks or longer. You will receive an email once the Home Office has made a decision on your application.

Is There a Fee to Apply for Settled Status?

There is currently no fee to apply for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. However, you should always check the latest guidance before submitting your application, as immigration rules and government policies may change over time.

How to Find Your Unique Application Number?

To get your Unique Application Number, follow the steps below.

• Visit the official GOV.UK website.
• Log in by providing your:
  • Identity document number
  • Date of birth
  • Access code sent to your phone or email
• You will then see the details of your past applications.
• This will also include your 16-digit Unique Application Number.

Conclusion

Switching from Pre-settled to Settled status is an important step towards securing your future in the UK and becoming eligible for British citizenship. By meeting the residency requirements, keeping the necessary documents ready and applying at the right time, you can make significant progress. Staying informed about the latest immigration rules and planning will help you move more confidently from Pre-settled to Settled status.

If you are facing any issues related to the EU Settlement Scheme, you can contact the Visament website. They have a team of trained experts who can help you with your issues.