What is pre-settlement status?
Pre-settlement status is an immigration status granted to foreign nationals who are not yet eligible to receive full settlement rights in the UK, but have already started their journey towards settling there. This status is designed to allow individuals to enter and stay in the UK on a temporary basis while they work towards meeting the criteria for full settlement rights. To be granted pre-settlement status, applicants must demonstrate that they meet the Home Office’s eligibility criteria.
The Home Office states that individuals with pre-settlement status can continue to live and work in the UK for a period of up to five years. During this time, they may be able to access certain benefits and services, depending on their individual circumstances. At the end of the five year period, individuals can apply for full settlement rights if they meet the criteria for this. Alternatively, their pre-settlement status may be extended depending on their situation.
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The introduction of pre-settled status offers a valuable opportunity to migrants in the UK. It allows them to stay in the UK with certain rights and entitlements that are similar to those of settled status, but without having to wait for full citizenship. This type of status is important for migrants because it grants them many of the same benefits as settled status, including the right to work and access to public services. It also gives them the chance to apply for permanent residency in the UK after a period of time.
Pre-settled status gives migrants an opportunity to continue living in the UK while they await the outcome of their immigration application. This helps reduce the anxiety associated with not knowing when or if they will receive their settlement. Additionally, it gives them more time to prepare and adjust to life in the UK.
Furthermore, pre-settled status can help reduce the financial burden on immigrants. This is because they no longer have to rely on expensive legal services and government fees to apply for settlement. In addition, having pre-settled status makes it easier for migrants to gain access to public services such as healthcare and education, which may not be available to those without official permission to remain in the UK.
Reasons for introducing Pre-Settled Status
The introduction of pre-settled status is part of the UK government’s efforts to create an immigration system that is both fair and welcoming for all. It allows individuals who do not yet meet the full criteria for settlement to remain in the UK with limited rights, allowing them to become better established in their new home.
The UK government wanted to make sure that those with valid claims were not deterred from applying for settlement due to the long processing times. Pre-settled status gives applicants the security of having a status while they are waiting for a decision on their settlement application. It also helps to ensure that individuals have access to services and support during this period, such as healthcare, education and employment rights.
Additionally, pre-settled status helps to reduce the cost of settlement applications. The shorter period of time in pre-settled status means that the cost of processing a settlement application is lower than if the applicant had been living in the UK for a longer period. This can be beneficial for both applicants and the government.
Pre-settled status also allows individuals to access support from public funds, such as job-seeking advice or housing benefit, while they are waiting for their settlement application to be approved. This can help applicants to become more settled in the UK and build up their lives here.
Eligibility for Pre-Settled Status
To be eligible for pre-settlement status, you must meet the following criteria:
• You must have arrived in the UK on or before 31 December 2020.
• You must not have held settled status before.
• You must intend to stay in the UK for a continuous period of at least 6 months.
• You must not have any criminal convictions in the UK or in any other country.
• You must have adequate funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
• You must meet all other applicable eligibility criteria set out in the Immigration Rules.
In order to apply for pre-settlement status, you will need to provide certain documents, such as proof of identity, proof of address, and evidence that you are eligible under the Immigration Rules. For example, if you are applying under the family route, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship with your family member in the UK.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have been residing in the UK for at least six months. This means that applicants must provide proof of address and employment in the UK in order to be eligible.
Applicants must also demonstrate that they have a genuine intention to stay in the UK, as evidenced by their plans to work, study or live in the UK. They must also prove that they are not an illegal migrant or a threat to public safety.
Finally, applicants must demonstrate that they are able to support themselves financially while they remain in the UK. This includes having enough money to cover their rent and living costs, or having access to public funds if applicable.
Documentation required to apply for pre settlement status
In order to apply for pre-settlement status, you must provide evidence that you are eligible to apply. This includes documentation such as your passport and other documents that show you meet the criteria for pre-settlement status. You may also be asked to provide proof of identity, residence and any other relevant information that proves you are eligible to apply.
Depending on the type of visa you have applied for, you may also need to provide additional documents such as proof of employment, educational qualifications, bank statements, medical records and more. It is important to remember that all documents must be originals or certified copies. Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by an official translation.
The UKVI reserves the right to ask for additional information if necessary. If you are applying with a partner, they will also need to provide all required documentation and evidence to show that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Once you have provided all required documents, you will need to submit them along with your application form to the UKVI. They will review your application and determine whether you are eligible for pre-settlement status.
How do I apply for pre-settlement status?
If you believe you are eligible for pre-settled status, then you can apply through the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme. You must have an eligible form of ID and be able to prove your identity and nationality. This can include a valid passport, national ID card or biometric residence card.
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To apply, you will need to register on the EU Settlement Scheme website. Once you have registered, you will be asked to provide personal details such as your name, date of birth, address, and nationality. You will also be asked to confirm your eligibility and provide evidence of your identity.
When you have completed the application form, you will need to submit supporting documents. These can include any forms of ID that prove your identity and nationality, and documents that demonstrate your current residence in the UK.
Once you have submitted all the necessary information, you will need to pay the required fee. The fee for pre-settlement status is currently £65 for adults and £32.50 for children under 16 years old. After you have paid the fee, you should receive a confirmation email with a reference number for your application. You should use this reference number if you need to contact the Home Office about your application at any point in the future.
Your application will then be processed by the Home Office. This process may take up to six months, but it could take longer depending on the level of demand. The Home Office will contact you when they have made their decision. If successful, you will receive confirmation of your pre-settlement status via email or post.
How long does pre-settlement status last?
Pre-settled status is typically granted for a period of five years. During this time, you can remain in the UK and have access to many of the same rights and benefits as other legal residents. At the end of the five year period, you can apply for settled status, which is indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
The exact length of your pre-settlement status will depend on your individual circumstances. For instance, if you are an EU citizen, your pre-settlement status will depend on when you applied for it and when the UK’s transition period ends. If you are a non-EU citizen, you will typically be granted pre-settlement status for a maximum period of five years.
It’s important to note that even if you have been granted pre-settlement status, you may still be required to meet certain requirements to maintain it. This includes things like maintaining continuous residence in the UK and meeting any other conditions that have been set out in your specific agreement. You should also make sure to keep your documentation up-to-date and make any necessary updates to the Home Office system as soon as possible.
Finally, if you want to stay in the UK beyond the five year period, you will need to apply for settled status before your pre-settlement status expires. If you are eligible, you will be granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
How much does it cost to apply for pre settlement status in the UK?
When applying for pre-settlement status, there is an application fee that must be paid. The fee will vary depending on the type of application you are making and your individual circumstances. For example, the fee for a family application is £6,600 while the fee for an individual application is £3,250.
In addition to the application fee, there are also costs associated with processing your application. These costs can include medical examinations, biometric enrolment and language tests. The total cost of these additional fees will depend on your individual circumstances.
It is important to understand that once your application has been accepted and you have been granted pre-settlement status, there are no further costs associated with maintaining this status. However, if you wish to upgrade from pre-settlement status to settled status in the future, there may be additional fees involved.
It is essential to read all relevant information carefully before submitting your application so that you understand the full extent of fees and costs that may be incurred.
Upgrading from Pre-Settled to Settled Status
Those who have been granted pre-settled status can upgrade to settled status once they meet the eligibility criteria and have spent five continuous years in the UK. This means that the applicant must have been continuously living in the UK for five years and have not left for more than six months during this period.
In addition to this, applicants will need to demonstrate that they have an ongoing relationship with the UK through their activities and/or regular employment, or show evidence of an education qualification or business activity in the UK. They will also need to meet all other immigration rules set by the Home Office, including passing character and security checks.
Finally, applicants must pay the relevant fee to apply for settlement. This fee varies depending on the immigration system you are applying under, so it is important to check what applies to your case.
Once all of these criteria are met, applicants can submit their application and then wait to hear back from the Home Office.
Processing times
The timeframe for processing a pre-settlement application depends on the individual’s particular circumstances and the amount of information provided. In general, an application is usually processed within 6 months from the date of submission. If there are any further queries or requests for additional documents, then this process may take longer.
Applicants should ensure that all the required information is submitted as soon as possible to prevent delays in processing. It is also important to keep in mind that pre-settled status can only be granted for 5 years at a time. This means that applications must be renewed before this period ends in order to continue living in the UK.
If your application is successful, you will receive a document confirming your pre-settled status. This document should be kept safe as it will be needed when upgrading to settled status at a later stage. It is important to remember that pre-settled status does not give you the same rights as those with settled status so you may still experience restrictions on employment, study and access to benefits.
How we can help
CGM App is an end-to-end immigration app, designed to make immigration and global mobility seamless. It is designed specifically for expats, sponsoring companies, and immigration consultants globally.
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