EUSS Changes July 2025: New 30-Month Rule For Settled Status

1. EUSS: Changes to the Continuous Qualifying Period Definition for Settled Status

In order to apply for EU Settled Status (ILR) EU citizens and family members living in the UK have been required to complete a continuous five year period of residence commencing before 31 December 2020, with absences no more than six months in any 12 month period, unless an exception to this applies.

In a positive move, the Statement of Changes HC 836, published on 24 June 2025 changed the definition of 'continuous qualifying period' for the purposes of Appendix EU. with effect from 16 July 2025.

This change means that applicants have the option to:

• Either choose their five year period, and rely on the pre-existing rules – showing continuous residence / potentially relying on an absence of more than six months for an 'important reason' / COVID reasons, etc;