In the event of a no-deal Brexit, EU citizens' residency
rights may no longer be protected by primary legislation. The EU
Settlement Scheme (EUSS) will afford eligible citizens a new
immigration status, and subsequently the right to remain in the UK
after Brexit.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
EU, European Economic Area (EEA)* and Swiss citizens ('EU
citizens') wishing to remain in the UK after Brexit will be
required to apply to the EUSS for either settled or pre-settled
status. This includes family members of those from the EU, EEA, or
Switzerland, EU citizens married to British citizens.
Successful applicants will be granted either settled or
pre-settled status based on established criteria. Those applicants
who are granted settled status can reside in the UK for so long as
they wish and may even be able to apply for UK citizenship. Those
who get pre-settled status can remain in the UK for five years, and
then apply for settled status after 5 years'
