How to Move from Pre-Settled Status to Settled Status
If you currently hold pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), you can apply for settled status once you have lived in the UK, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands continuously for five years. It’s crucial to ensure that this application is made before your pre-settled status expires. This five-year period is calculated from the date of your arrival in the UK to the date of your application.
Starting from late January 2025, the process for obtaining settled status will change. The Home Office will introduce an automated system to upgrade eligible pre-settled status holders to settled status without requiring a separate application. The exact timeline for this system’s rollout is still pending confirmation.
To meet the requirements for continuous residence, you must not have:
- Left the UK for more than six months in a row
- Been outside of the UK for six months or less but with multiple absences adding up to over six months in any 12-month period
- Spent a total of five years outside of the UK since your arrival, excluding certain circumstances such as military service or serious illness
- Committed any criminal offenses that would lead to deportation under EUSS rules.
If you meet these criteria and are ready to begin the process, here's what you need to do:
Gather required documents:
You will need to provide proof of identity, residence, and relationship (if applicable) when applying for settled status. This may include your passport or national ID, utility bills or bank statements, and marriage or birth certificates. Make sure to have these documents ready before starting the application process.
Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and subsisting marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship with their UK-based sponsor.
If not already married, the couple should be planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of the visa being granted (for Fiancé Visas transitioning to Spouse Visas).
Generally, evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years prior to application can support the claim.
Acceptable evidence includes marriage certificates, shared financial responsibilities, communication records, or proof of cohabitation.
Pay the fee (if applicable)
Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and subsisting marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship with their UK-based sponsor.
If not already married, the couple should be planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of the visa being granted (for Fiancé Visas transitioning to Spouse Visas).
Generally, evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years prior to application can support the claim.
Acceptable evidence includes marriage certificates, shared financial responsibilities, communication records, or proof of cohabitation.
Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and subsisting marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship with their UK-based sponsor.
If not already married, the couple should be planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of the visa being granted (for Fiancé Visas transitioning to Spouse Visas).
Generally, evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years prior to application can support the claim.
Acceptable evidence includes marriage certificates, shared financial responsibilities, communication records, or proof of cohabitation.
Receive your settled status (if successful)
Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and subsisting marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship with their UK-based sponsor.
If not already married, the couple should be planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of the visa being granted (for Fiancé Visas transitioning to Spouse Visas).
Generally, evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years prior to application can support the claim.
Acceptable evidence includes marriage certificates, shared financial responsibilities, communication records, or proof of cohabitation.
Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and subsisting marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship with their UK-based sponsor.
If not already married, the couple should be planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of the visa being granted (for Fiancé Visas transitioning to Spouse Visas).
Generally, evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years prior to application can support the claim.
Acceptable evidence includes marriage certificates, shared financial responsibilities, communication records, or proof of cohabitation.
Keep your settled status updated
Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and subsisting marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship with their UK-based sponsor.
If not already married, the couple should be planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of the visa being granted (for Fiancé Visas transitioning to Spouse Visas).
Generally, evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years prior to application can support the claim.
Acceptable evidence includes marriage certificates, shared financial responsibilities, communication records, or proof of cohabitation.
Understand your rights and benefits
Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and subsisting marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship with their UK-based sponsor.
If not already married, the couple should be planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of the visa being granted (for Fiancé Visas transitioning to Spouse Visas).
Generally, evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years prior to application can support the claim.
Acceptable evidence includes marriage certificates, shared financial responsibilities, communication records, or proof of cohabitation.
Applicants must prove they are in a genuine and subsisting marriage, civil partnership, or long-term relationship with their UK-based sponsor.
If not already married, the couple should be planning to marry or enter a civil partnership within 6 months of the visa being granted (for Fiancé Visas transitioning to Spouse Visas).
Generally, evidence of living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least 2 years prior to application can support the claim.
Acceptable evidence includes marriage certificates, shared financial responsibilities, communication records, or proof of cohabitation.
If your application is declined, it is advisable to seek professional guidance. You can reach out to our immigration specialists at 0203 998 3200 or fill out an enquiry form. We will help you explore the best options moving forward.
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