Absence Policy changes for pre-settled holders under EU Settlement Scheme
On 24 June 2025, the UK government announced new immigration rule changes that will make it easier for EU citizens and their family members with pre-settled status to qualify for settled status
Under the new rules, anyone with pre-settled status will become eligible for settled status once they have lived in the UK for at least 30 months (2.5 years) within the previous 60 months (5 years). The 30 months of residence do not need to be continuous.
These changes will come into effect on 16 July 2025 and will apply to the more than 1.6 million people who currently hold pre-settled status.
Under Appendix EU, Annex 1, the definition of continued qualifying period is amended:
(ii) (where the person has limited leave to enter or remain granted under paragraph EU3 of this Appendix) any period(s) of absence which did not exceed a total of 30 months in the most recent 60-month period, as at the date of application (where the Secretary of State is considering whether the requirements for indefinite leave to enter or remain in paragraph EU2 are met) or (as the case may be) at the date on which, under paragraph EU4, the Secretary of State is considering whether to grant them indefinite leave to enter or remain under paragraph EU2, without a valid application under this Appendix having been made; or
(jj) (where the person has limited leave to enter or remain granted under paragraph EU3A of this Appendix) any period(s) of absence which did not exceed a total of 30 months in the most recent 60-month period, as at the date of application (where the Secretary of State is considering whether the requirements for indefinite leave to enter or remain in paragraph EU2A are met) or (as the case may be) at the date on which, under paragraph EU4, the Secretary of State is considering whether to grant them indefinite leave to enter or remain under paragraph EU2A, without a valid application under this Appendix having been made; or
For Immigration advice, contact us on:
WhatsApp: +44 7341 314042
Email: info@vistasimmigration.co.uk