Although the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) deadline of 30 June 2021 has long passed, the Home Office continues to accept late applications from EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who have reasonable grounds for missing the deadline. For EU citizens living in Longsight, Gorton, Levenshulme, Stockport, Bolton, and across Greater Manchester, understanding your rights and options is essential. As specialist immigration solicitors in Manchester, MCR Solicitors continues to help EU nationals secure their immigration status.
Who Can Still Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme?
You may be eligible for a late EUSS application if:
- You are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen (or their family member) who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020
- You have reasonable grounds for not applying before 30 June 2021
- You are a joining family member of an EU citizen with settled or pre-settled status
- You hold a derivative right of residence
What Are Reasonable Grounds?
The Home Office has published guidance on what constitutes reasonable grounds for a late application. Accepted reasons include:
- Children and young people — parents or local authorities failed to apply on their behalf
- Mental health or serious medical conditions — prevented you from applying
- Domestic abuse or coercive control — your situation prevented you from applying
- Lack of awareness — you genuinely did not know you needed to apply (for example, elderly people or those with limited English)
- Practical barriers — homelessness, digital exclusion, or inability to provide evidence
- Other compelling reasons — assessed on a case-by-case basis
Our immigration lawyers in Manchester have successfully argued late applications on all of these grounds.
Settled Status vs Pre-Settled Status
Settled Status (Indefinite Leave)
Granted if you had been living in the UK for 5 continuous years by 31 December 2020. This gives you the right to live in the UK permanently.
Pre-Settled Status (Limited Leave)
Granted if you had been living in the UK for less than 5 years. This is valid for 5 years and can be upgraded to settled status once you complete 5 years of continuous residence. Important: pre-settled status expires, and you must apply for settled status before it lapses.
Converting Pre-Settled to Settled Status
If you hold pre-settled status, you should apply for settled status as soon as you have completed 5 years of continuous residence. Do not wait until your pre-settled status expires. Our immigration solicitors can check your eligibility and submit the application.
Rights Under the EU Settlement Scheme
With settled or pre-settled status, you can:
- Continue to live and work in the UK
- Access the NHS and other public services
- Study and access student finance
- Bring eligible family members to the UK
What If Your EUSS Application Was Refused?
If your application was refused, you have the right to request an administrative review or, in many cases, a right of appeal. Our immigration lawyers in Manchester have successfully overturned EUSS refusals at tribunal.
Family Members of EU Citizens
Non-EU family members of EU citizens may also be eligible for the EUSS. This includes spouses, partners, children, and dependent relatives. Family members who were in the UK before 31 December 2020 can apply, and joining family members can apply to join their EU family member in the UK.
Why Act Now?
While the Home Office is currently accepting late applications, there is no guarantee this will continue indefinitely. Additionally, living without immigration status exposes you to difficulties with employment, housing, and accessing services. As one of the most experienced Manchester law firms for EU immigration, MCR Solicitors urges all eligible EU citizens in Longsight, Gorton, Levenshulme, Stockport, and Bolton to regularise their status.
Contact MCR Solicitors
If you are an EU citizen who has not yet applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, or if your application was refused, contact our immigration solicitors in Manchester urgently. Call 0161 466 1280 or email [email protected] for a free initial consultation.
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