The first applications from EU nationals wanting to stay in the UK after Brexit have started being submitted.
The three million EU residents in the UK have until the end of June 2021 to register for “settled status” if we leave with a deal and December 2020 if we leave without a deal.
The test phase is now open for those who meet certain conditions (including needing access to an android phone!) You can apply if you’re either:
- The holder of an EU passport
- A family member of someone from the EU, and you have a residence card with a biometric chip and ‘EU right to reside’ on the back.
The scheme will open fully on 30th March 2019 and when it does you will be able to use non-android devices, or to send documents by post instead. You will also be able to use another form of identity than just the biometric residence card or passport.
There will be no fee to apply when the scheme goes fully live and those who have applied already, or who apply and pay during the test phases, will have their fee refunded. If you want to apply now the fee (which will be refunded) is £65 if you’re 16+ or £32.50 if you’re under.
Here’s the link with more information and how to apply: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status