Help with the EU Settlement Scheme
If you’re from the EU, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you and your family will usually need to apply to stay in the UK after 30 June 2021. The EEA includes EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Check which countries are in the EU and EEA on GOV.UK.
You can do this by applying:
- to the EU Settlement Scheme for 'settled status' or 'pre-settled status'
- for British citizenship
It's free to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
We can assist people with the application process and advise on any difficulties.
For advice on applying for British Citizenship visit Citizens Advice public page Deciding on citizenship if you’re from the EU
Information and Guidance
The full guidance on the scheme is available on gov.uk https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
Guidance is also available in 26 EU languages on GOV.UK here including video clips on the application process.
Advice
There is advice on the Settlement scheme on the Citizens Advice public site
How to Apply
If you have a biometric passport or a biometric residence permit you can use an Android phone (or tablet) with NFC to start the application using the app called EU Exit: ID Document Check which can be downloaded from Google Play store.
Check if your phone has NFC - link to Google Answers.
If you have a biometric passport or a biometric residence permit but you don't have an Android phone you can get your documents scanned at Eastbourne Registry office which is based at Eastbourne Town Hall
If you don't have a biometric passport or residence permit you will need to send your documents to the Home Office by post. To begin your application and find the address details, start your application online at gov.uk
https://apply-for-eu-settled-status.homeoffice.gov.uk/There is guidance on gov.uk on how to use the EU Exit app here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-eu-exit-id-document-check-app
You can watch a video showing the application process here:
Remember, after using the app you will need to complete your application online.
Evidence
You may need to provide evidence to support your application and prove that you have lived in the UK for 5 years.
This page on gov.uk gives examples of what can be used as evidence in support of EU settlement.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-settlement-scheme-evidence-of-uk-residence
If you have problems using the internet
You can get help from the Home Office's assisted digital service if you aren't confident using the internet. The service is provided by We Are Digital.
They can help you over the phone. You might be able to visit someone or they might be able to visit you at home - this will depend on where you live. Find out more about how to get help from We Are Digital.
We Are Digital
Tel: 0333 344 5675 (Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Saturday from 9.00am to 4.00pm)
Text: 07537 416 944 - text the word VISA
Textphone (using Next Generation Text): 18001 0333 344 5675Calls usually cost up to 40p a minute from mobiles and up to 10p a minute from landlines. It should be free if you have a contract that includes calls to landlines - check with your supplier if you’re not sure.
If you don't have internet access
You can use the internet free of charge at:
- your local council - find your local council on GOV.UK
- your local library - find your local library on GOV.UK
EU Settlement Resolution Centre helpline
Contact the EU Settlement Resolution Centre helpline if you need help or information about your EU Settlement Scheme application.
Calling from inside the UK
EU Settlement Resolution Centre
Telephone: 0300 123 7379
Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
EU Settlement Scheme contact form
Find out about call charges
Contact us
We give most of our advice via the phone so if you need to contact us you can do so by calling our Advice Line on 03444 111 444
or you can contact us online by clicking here
or visit us in person location & opening times