EEA & EU

EEA & EU Settlement Applications

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, EEA and EU nationals are now required to secure their immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). At The McKenzie Friend, we provide professional guidance to help you apply for, switch, or maintain your Settled or Pre-Settled Status — ensuring full legal security in the UK.

Understanding the EU Settlement Scheme

The EU Settlement Scheme allows citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland — and their eligible family members — to continue living, working, and studying in the UK after Brexit. Successful applicants receive either:

• Settled Status – for those who have lived in the UK continuously for 5 years or more
• Pre-Settled Status – for those who have lived in the UK for less than 5 years

Both statuses grant legal residence and access to healthcare, work, and benefits. However, applicants must renew or upgrade their status before expiry to avoid losing rights in the UK.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible to apply if you are:

• An EU, EEA, or Swiss national residing in the UK before 31 December 2020
• A family member of an EU/EEA citizen (spouse, civil partner, child, or dependent relative)
• A non-EU national holding a residence card or retained right of residence
• A child born in the UK to parents with Pre-Settled or Settled Status
• A person who previously held EU rights under another lawful status

Our Step-by-Step Support

1. Initial Review: We assess your residency period, entry date, and visa or identity documents.
2. Evidence Gathering: We help you collect proof of residence, employment, or self-employment.
3. Application Completion: Guidance on submitting your EUSS form and biometric verification (if required).
4. Document Upload: Assistance in uploading your evidence via the online system correctly and securely.
5. Decision Tracking: We monitor your case and help you respond to any Home Office queries.

Required Documents

You will typically need to provide:

• Valid passport or national identity card
• Proof of continuous residence (e.g. tenancy agreements, bills, bank statements, or employment records)
• National Insurance number or HMRC work history
• Marriage or birth certificates (for family members)
• Evidence of relationship (for dependent partners or children)

Upgrading to Settled Status

If you currently hold Pre-Settled Status, you can apply for Settled Status once you reach 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK. We’ll help you gather the correct documents and submit your upgrade application smoothly before your Pre-Settled Status expires.

Switching from EU Settlement to ILR or British Citizenship

Once you achieve Settled Status, you can later apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British Citizenship. We provide long-term guidance to help you plan ahead, ensuring each step of your immigration journey remains compliant and efficient.

Why Choose The McKenzie Friend?

• Affordable fixed-fee immigration support
• Expert assistance with Settled, Pre-Settled, and derivative residence rights
• Personal, non-judgmental service tailored to your case
• Document verification and submission guidance
• Professional preparation for citizenship or ILR applications

Deadlines and Renewals

If you missed the 30 June 2021 deadline, you may still be able to apply with a valid reason for the delay (e.g. medical issues, lack of awareness, or dependent status). We can help you prepare a strong late application explanation.

The McKenzie Friend provides professional assistance with EUSS and immigration matters and can refer clients to OISC-accredited advisers for legal representation in complex cases.