The Home Office have been working on a scheme which allows EU citizens who are living in the UK by 31 December 2020 to obtain their new UK immigration status. This status will be needed in order to remain here permanently. The scheme will be fully open by 30 March 2019 and EU citizens and their family members will have until 30 June 2021 to apply, in line with the draft Withdrawal Agreement.
The scheme is being implemented on a phased basis so that it can be tested to ensure it operates effectively when it is fully open. The first phase began in August and was available to those working in a small number of NHS trusts, universities in the north west of England and also to students at those universities.
Settlement Scheme Phase From: 15 November 2018
Individuals are able to apply if they are:
- Employed by or work at a higher education institution or overseas higher education institution in the UK which is classified as such on the Tier 4 Register of Licensed Sponsors.
- A child under the age of 18 being looked after by one of the local authorities involved in the pilot, or they’re eligible for support or assistance from one of those local authorities because you were looked after by them as a child.
- Receiving support from one of the community organisations involved in the pilot.
Settlement Scheme Phase From: 29 November 2018
People are able to apply if they are employed by or work at an organisation in the health or social care sector in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.
Full details of the employers participating in this stage of the pilot in each part of the UK are available in the Immigration Rules. There are some differences which reflect devolved responsibility for health and social care. Click here for further information, including further details on eligibility for this phase. Further information about the scheme in general can be found on GOV.UK.
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