28/05/2024

HOME OFFICE CONFIRMS FURTHER CHANGES TO THE EU SETTLEMENT SCHEME (21 May 2024)

On 21 May 2024, the Home Office confirmed that all those granted pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme will automatically be granted an extension.

In their announcement the Home Office stated that the changes will ensure that citizens can continue to prove their rights easily, and bring greater clarity for those required to check immigration status.

This is to ensure that nobody loses their immigration status if they do not apply to switch from pre-settled to settled status.

The changes are:

1.    An increase in the duration of pre-settled status automatic extensions from 2 to 5 years.

2.    The pre-settled status expiry date will be removed from the digital profiles shown to third parties in online checking services for Right to Work.

3.    Employers will not be required to conduct a further right to work check on pre-settled status holders where the individual remains in their employment.

The changes are being brought about to support the implementation of a High Court judgment in the judicial review proceedings brought by the Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (IMA).