EU Settlement Scheme

Students from Switzerland, EU and EEA countries, graduating after July 2020, or planning to stay in the UK after December 2020, are advised to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. Students need to have entered the UK before 31 December 2020 to be eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme.

The deadline to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme is 30 June 2021, however, we advise you to submit your application before the 31 December 2020 to ensure that you have evidence of your status in the UK before a new visa system comes into force on the 1 January 2021.  

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who have evidence that they have lived in the UK for five 'continuous' years, and have not been away from the UK for more than six months in any 12-month period, will be granted ‘settled status’, also known as ‘indefinite leave’. 

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who do not have evidence that they have lived in the UK for five 'continuous' years, will be granted ‘pre-settled status’, also known as ‘limited leave’, until they reach the five year requirement when a new application will be required and full settlement will be granted.

Non EU, EEA and Swiss citizens family members should contact the International Student Adviser for advice on the EU Settlement Scheme.

Irish citizens are not required to apply under the scheme in order to remain in the UK.

How to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme:-

  • Complete the on-line application form available from here - it is free to apply to the scheme.
  • Verify your identity - You will need to scan a valid biometric passport, national ID card, or biometric residence card (issued by the Home Office) using the 'EU Exit: ID Document Check' app available on Android device, or iPhone 7 or above, only.  If you do not have an Android or iPhone 7 or above, you can have your identity document scanned at the Ceredigion Registration Service, Canolfan Rheidol, Rhodfa Padarn Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth SY23 3EU, please email registrar@ceredigion.gov.uk to book an appointment - due to the current Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, the service is suspended until further notice.  
  • Verify your residence in the UK - You will need to provide evidence of your residence in the UK.  There are number of ways you can do this, for example by providing your National Insurance Number (if you have one) which will generate an automated check with HMRC records to establish continuous residence in the UK.  If you do not have a National Insurance Number we would advice you to submit a 'Student Registration Record' and an 'Address Letter' both available from your Student Record.  Alternatively, if you have a valid permanent residence document or valid indefinite leave to remain, you will just need to provide proof of that status.
  • Criminality check - You will need to complete the criminality check by declaring any criminal convictions. Only serious or persistent criminality will affect your application. This should not affect the vast majority of EU citizens and their family members.

The International Student Advisor will be running advising sessions on how to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.  To book a place, please select a date below:

Useful links:-

You can sign up for updates from the UK Government on any Brexit news and developments that may affect your status in the UK as a student.

Blogs by EU students, Urszula and Marcel, who have successfully received their UK settlement status.

FreeMovement web resource provided by Seraphus Solicitors containing information on how to apply to the settlement scheme, advice on refusals, and links to other organisations.

Step-by-step tutorial on how to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

UKCISA is the UK Council for International Student Affairs who provide easy to understand advice to all international students on a wide range of issues from immigration to preparing to come and study in the UK.

If you require further advice, please contact the International Student Adviser on immigrationadvice@aber.ac.uk.