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UK Law Reference
Full glossary
Legal term
Immigration & Nationality

Settled Status

Immigration status confirming indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Under the EU Settlement Scheme, EU nationals who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 could apply for settled status (after 5 years' residence) or pre-settled status.

Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.

EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic and Liechtenstein citizens (and certain family members) living in the UK could apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK, with the deadline for most applicants being 30 June 2021. Successful applicants received either settled or pre-settled status; a person with pre-settled status usually becomes eligible for settled status once they have lived in the UK for 5 years in a row.

A person's rights in the UK are not protected under the scheme unless they have applied and received a certificate of application, without which they cannot access benefits and services (including free NHS healthcare), work or study in the UK, or rent a property in England. Once granted, a certificate of application can be used to prove rights such as the right to work, rent, claim benefits, or use NHS services while a decision is pending.

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Official sources

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