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Important Update for EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Status Holders

Published 16 January 2026

Five Star is sharing an important update issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The Home Office is actively trying to ensure that all EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status holders are aware of these changes and requirements.

UKVI has also asked that legal representatives and advisers communicate this information to their clients wherever possible.

Keeping Your UKVI Account Details Up to Date

If you hold status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you already have a UKVI account and do not need to create a new one.

From early next year, additional checks will be introduced to confirm immigration status when travelling. If your UKVI account details are not up to date, you may:

experience delays or difficulties when travelling to or from the UK, or
be refused boarding by a carrier.

If you hold pre-settled status, outdated identity documents may also cause problems when applying for settled status.

Updating your UKVI account now is essential to avoid future issues.

What You Need to Do

Update your UKVI account if:

you have received a new passport or identity document since your original EUSS application,
you are planning to travel (your document number, expiry date and nationality must match your UKVI account),
you are applying for settled status and your identity document has changed.

Update your details

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Checking Your eVisa and Further Guidance

Changes to Settled Status Residence Requirements

UKVI has simplified the residence requirements for pre-settled status holders applying for settled status.

You may now qualify if:

you hold pre-settled status and have lived in the UK for at least 30 months (2.5 years) within the last 5 years, and
you arrived in the UK at least 5 years ago.

Key points:

You do not need to explain time spent outside the UK, provided you meet the 30-month rule.
Pending applications will be assessed under the new rules.
If you were previously refused settled status, or granted leave under another route, you may now qualify if you still hold pre-settled status and meet the new requirements.
If you spent more than 2 consecutive years outside the UK before 21 May 2024, your pre-settled status will have lapsed. UKVI has confirmed that changes are being worked on to address this and further updates will follow.

Automatic Grants of Settled Status

UKVI is automatically converting eligible pre-settled status holders to settled status, where possible, using UK tax and benefits records. You will be contacted by email if this applies to you.

You may be granted settled status automatically if:

you are an EEA or Swiss citizen who was resident in the UK by 23:00 on 31 December 2020, and
UK records show 5 years’ residence, with absences of no more than 6 months in any 12-month period.

From early 2026, UKVI will update its systems to reflect the new 30-month residence rule.

Who Still Needs to Apply for Settled Status

You will still need to apply if you:

have not paid UK tax or received benefits for at least 30 months in the last 5 years,
are a non-EEA or non-Swiss family member,
are a joining family member who began living in the UK after 31 December 2020,
are under 18 years of age,
qualify under other eligibility routes, such as derivative rights.

Eligible family members should also be encouraged to apply. Applications can be made on their behalf where they are unable to apply themselves, for example, children.

Need Help?

How Five Star Can Help

If you are unsure whether your UKVI account details are up to date, whether you qualify for settled status, or whether you need to make an application rather than wait for automatic conversion, Five Star can help.

We can: