The EU Settlement Scheme gave many EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members permission to stay in the UK. The general deadline has passed, but some people can still apply.
Information checked against the sources listed below on 10 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change; this is general information, not advice on your case, and does not assess whether you qualify.
What the official guidance says.
- Settled status is usually available after 5 years’ continuous UK residence. Pre-settled status covers people who have not yet reached that point.
- GOV.UK says pre-settled status is extended by 5 years before it expires, and it may then convert automatically to settled status. You can apply for settled status once you are eligible, without waiting for automatic conversion.
- The general deadline was 30 June 2021. This deadline does not apply if you already hold pre-settled status and are applying for settled status.
- Some people can still apply after the deadline. For joining family members, the deadline is based on when they last arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020, provided the family relationship still exists when they apply.
- After an unsuccessful application, the deadline for reapplicants may be based on the last time they arrived in the UK before that application.
- GOV.UK says it is free to apply to the scheme.
- GOV.UK lists a separate EU Settlement Scheme family permit to join family in the UK.
What usually decides the outcome.
- Your current status, and when pre-settled status expires.
- Whether you or your family member qualify to apply late or as a joining family member.
- Your continuous residence and absences, which affect settled status.
- Whether your digital status (eVisa) is accurate.
How we can help.
Depending on what you need, support can range from a first conversation to full representation. Ask for the scope of any work, and an explanation of our fees and separate government charges, in writing before you instruct the firm.
- Initial consultation and eligibility assessment. A conversation about your circumstances, the routes that may apply and the risks.
- Written advice and immigration planning. A considered view on your options and a plan that looks ahead to extensions, settlement or citizenship.
- Document and application checking. A review of an application or evidence you have prepared, before you submit it.
- Full application preparation and representation. Preparing and submitting the application, and dealing with the Home Office on your behalf.
- Responses to Home Office requests. Help answering requests for further information, interviews or evidence.
- Refusal analysis and next steps. Understanding why an application failed and whether to seek review, appeal, judicial review or make a fresh application.
Before you contact us
- Write a short summary of your circumstances and what you want to achieve.
- Note any decision dates, expiry dates or deadlines.
- Do not send passport numbers or sensitive documents in the first enquiry. We will explain how to share them securely.