The Home Office have now announced exactly how the Settled Status system for EEA nationals and their Family Members will work. They have also said that, given restrictions on time and resources, they would proceed with this system whether there is a deal or no deal situation come March 2019.

The Settled Status system grants either Settled Status (essentially the same as Indefinite Leave to Remain), or “pre-Settled Status” which is a five year visa allowing the individual to live in the UK until they should be able to qualify for Indefinite Settled Status. The online form or android phone app, will first rely on information from HMRC (UK government tax body) and the Department of Work and Pensions. Those with five continuous years or more records, will be granted Settled Status. Those without, will be granted pre-Settled Status or have the option of submitting further evidence if they think they should be granted Settled Status.

The system is currently being trialled on a small group of public sector employees. It will go through a staged rolled out until March when it should be fully operational and open to everyone.

All EEA nationals and their Family Members will eventually need to register via the Settled Status system.