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On 1 January 2021, there was a significant change to the UK Immigration Rules. Nationals of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland subsequently became subject to UK immigration control – meaning that immigration permission to enter or remain in the UK needs to be applied for (dependant on certain factors).

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their eligible family members who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 could apply to settle in the UK under the government’s EU Settlement Scheme. The deadline for this was 30 June 2021, although in certain circumstances it may be possible to make a late application.

If you have not obtained EU Settled Status and are outside of the UK, you will require a visa to enter the UK. You will need to apply for a Student Visa to study at St George’s.

If you are applying for a Student Visa to enter the UK, please ensure that you do not travel to the UK before you have been granted your Student Visa (which will be in a digital format). If you enter the UK as a visitor beforehand (just using your passport), your Student Visa would not be valid, and you would have to leave the UK and return to 'validate' it.

EU Settlement Scheme essentials

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How to apply

Apply online for the EU Settlement Scheme. You’ll need proof of your identity and residence in the UK.  You can scan your documents and upload your photo using the ‘EU Exit: ID Document Check’ app on an eligible Android or Apple device or you can upload your documents via an application centre. You will need your passport or ID card that has a biometric chip as the app will scan that information.

Settled and Pre-Settled Status
Settled status

You’ll usually get settled status if you’ve lived in the UK for at least 6 months in a 12-month period for 5 years in a row (known as ‘continuous residence’). 

You can stay in the UK as long as you like if you get settled status.  You’ll usually be able to apply for citizenship 12 months after you’ve got settled status.

Pre-settled status

If you have not lived in the UK for 5 years in a row, you’ll usually be given pre-settled status.  You can stay in the UK for a further 5 years from the date on the decision letter confirming your pre-settled status. 

Switch from pre-settled status to settled status

If you have been granted pre-settled status, you’ll need to apply again when you’re changing your pre-settled status for settled status.  You must do this:

  1. When you have lived in the UK for 5 years in a row; and
  2. Before your pre-settled status expires

You may not be eligible for settled status if during the 5 years you spent more than 6 months outside the UK in a 12-month period.


Viewing and proving your status

The letter you receive confirming your settled or pre-settled status proves your rights in the UK only and cannot be used to prove your status. 

You can view your status or prove it to someone else online. You will not usually get a physical document.

Updating your details

You must keep your details up to date, for example if you get a new passport or change your UK address.  Your details should be up to date so you can view and prove your rights to others, for example employers. 

Further information

Further information can be found:

  • GOV.UK provides information for EU staff and students from the UK government

 

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