Extension to Pre-settled Status Rights

With effect from September 2023, individuals with pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) will automatically have their status extended by two years before it expires, if they have not already acquired settled status. The EUSS is the mechanism introduced by the government to enable EU residents lawfully to remain working and living in the UK after Brexit. Individuals who qualified obtained either full settled status, or pre-settled status, which would enable them to upgrade to the full permission once they reached five years’ residency in the UK.

This process will be automated by the Home Office and the extension will be included in the individual’s digital status in their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Individuals will be directly notified of this extension by email. Once the extension has been granted, the individual’s pre-settled status rights will continue.

During 2024, the Home Office also intends to automatically upgrade pre-settled status holders to full settled status. This means these individuals will no longer need to make a second application, provided that automated government checks can establish their ongoing continuous residence in the UK.