{"id":2476,"date":"2025-10-09T00:37:53","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T00:37:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/themackenziefriends.com\/?page_id=2476"},"modified":"2025-10-10T18:15:34","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T18:15:34","slug":"eea-eu","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/themackenziefriends.com\/uk\/eea-eu\/","title":{"rendered":"EEA &amp; EU"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"2476\" class=\"elementor elementor-2476\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6999a25b e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6999a25b\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-13ecb9d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"13ecb9d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-95ac3c1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"95ac3c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">EEA &amp; EU<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c595db6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c595db6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">EEA &amp; EU Settlement Applications<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4de50a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d4de50a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Helping EEA and EU nationals secure their legal status in the UK \u2014 from Settled and Pre-Settled Status to Permanent Residence and British Citizenship.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-30f7289 elementor-align-center elementor-mobile-align-center elementor-widget__width-initial home-cta-1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"30f7289\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"http:\/\/themackenziefriends.com\/uk\/contact\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Free case evaluation<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c85820e e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c85820e\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b0090ed elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b0090ed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>EEA &#038; EU Settlement Applications<\/h2>\n<p><em>Following the UK\u2019s departure from the European Union, EEA and EU nationals are now required to secure their immigration status under the <strong>EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)<\/strong>. At <strong>The McKenzie Friend<\/strong>, we provide professional guidance to help you apply for, switch, or maintain your Settled or Pre-Settled Status \u2014 ensuring full legal security in the UK.<\/em><\/p>\n\n<h3>Understanding the EU Settlement Scheme<\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>EU Settlement Scheme<\/strong> allows citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland \u2014 and their eligible family members \u2014 to continue living, working, and studying in the UK after Brexit. Successful applicants receive either:<\/p>\n<ul>\n  <li><strong>Settled Status<\/strong> \u2013 for those who have lived in the UK continuously for 5 years or more<\/li>\n  <li><strong>Pre-Settled Status<\/strong> \u2013 for those who have lived in the UK for less than 5 years<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Who Can Apply?<\/h3>\n<p>You may be eligible to apply if you are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n  <li>An EU, EEA, or Swiss national residing in the UK before <strong>31 December 2020<\/strong><\/li>\n  <li>A family member of an EU\/EEA citizen (spouse, civil partner, child, or dependent relative)<\/li>\n  <li>A non-EU national holding a residence card or retained right of residence<\/li>\n  <li>A child born in the UK to parents with Pre-Settled or Settled Status<\/li>\n  <li>A person who previously held EU rights under another lawful status<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div class=\"gold-highlight-box\">\n  <p><strong>We assess your eligibility, confirm which category applies, and help you complete and upload your application accurately to the Home Office portal.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3>Our Step-by-Step Support<\/h3>\n<ol>\n  <li><strong>Initial Review:<\/strong> We assess your residency period, entry date, and visa or identity documents.<\/li>\n  <li><strong>Evidence Gathering:<\/strong> We help you collect proof of residence, employment, or self-employment.<\/li>\n  <li><strong>Application Completion:<\/strong> Guidance on submitting your EUSS form and biometric verification (if required).<\/li>\n  <li><strong>Document Upload:<\/strong> Assistance in uploading your evidence via the online system correctly and securely.<\/li>\n  <li><strong>Decision Tracking:<\/strong> We monitor your case and help you respond to any Home Office queries.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h3>Required Documents<\/h3>\n<p>You will typically need to provide:<\/p>\n<ul>\n  <li>Valid passport or national identity card<\/li>\n  <li>Proof of continuous residence (e.g. tenancy agreements, bills, bank statements, or employment records)<\/li>\n  <li>National Insurance number or HMRC work history<\/li>\n  <li>Marriage or birth certificates (for family members)<\/li>\n  <li>Evidence of relationship (for dependent partners or children)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3>Upgrading to Settled Status<\/h3>\n<p>If you currently hold <strong>Pre-Settled Status<\/strong>, you can apply for <strong>Settled Status<\/strong> once you reach 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK.  \nWe\u2019ll help you gather the correct documents and submit your upgrade application smoothly before your Pre-Settled Status expires.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Switching from EU Settlement to ILR or British Citizenship<\/h3>\n<p>Once you achieve Settled Status, you can later apply for <strong>Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)<\/strong> or <strong>British Citizenship<\/strong>.  \nWe provide long-term guidance to help you plan ahead, ensuring each step of your immigration journey remains compliant and efficient.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Why Choose The McKenzie Friend?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n  <li>Affordable fixed-fee immigration support<\/li>\n  <li>Expert assistance with Settled, Pre-Settled, and derivative residence rights<\/li>\n  <li>Personal, non-judgmental service tailored to your case<\/li>\n  <li>Document verification and submission guidance<\/li>\n  <li>Professional preparation for citizenship or ILR applications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div class=\"testimonial-quote\">\n  <p>\u201cThe McKenzie Friend made my Settled Status application so simple. They explained every part clearly and made sure my evidence was right before submission.\u201d<\/p>\n  <strong>\u2014 L. Novak, Manchester<\/strong>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3>Deadlines and Renewals<\/h3>\n<p>If you missed the <strong>30 June 2021<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-box\">\n  <h3>Secure Your Status in the UK Today<\/h3>\n  <p>Whether you\u2019re applying for Settled or Pre-Settled Status, upgrading your application, or planning for British Citizenship \u2014 our expert team is here to support you. Book your free case review now to ensure your rights in the UK are protected.<\/p>\n  <a href=\"\/uk\/contact\/\" class=\"gold-btn\">Book a Free Consultation<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><small><em>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.<\/em><\/small><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8e9ba30 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8e9ba30\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a67304 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8a67304\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-88c8231 elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"88c8231\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Contact<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-42e6048 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"42e6048\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>We offer a free 30\u2011minute consultation to understand your case and recommend next steps.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-760a017 e-grid e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"760a017\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2202ae2 elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-tablet-position-top elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-view-default elementor-position-top elementor-mobile-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"2202ae2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<span  class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-map-marker-alt\" viewbox=\"0 0 384 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M172.268 501.67C26.97 291.031 0 269.413 0 192 0 85.961 85.961 0 192 0s192 85.961 192 192c0 77.413-26.97 99.031-172.268 309.67-9.535 13.774-29.93 13.773-39.464 0zM192 272c44.183 0 80-35.817 80-80s-35.817-80-80-80-80 35.817-80 80 35.817 80 80 80z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span  >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOffice\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-icon-box-description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t155 Maybury Road, Woking, Surrey, GU215JR\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c52349 elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-tablet-position-top elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-view-default elementor-position-top elementor-mobile-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"1c52349\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"mailto:info@mckenziefriend.net\" class=\"elementor-icon\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-label=\"Contact\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-envelope\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M502.3 190.8c3.9-3.1 9.7-.2 9.7 4.7V400c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48H48c-26.5 0-48-21.5-48-48V195.6c0-5 5.7-7.8 9.7-4.7 22.4 17.4 52.1 39.5 154.1 113.6 21.1 15.4 56.7 47.8 92.2 47.6 35.7.3 72-32.8 92.3-47.6 102-74.1 131.6-96.3 154-113.7zM256 320c23.2.4 56.6-29.2 73.4-41.4 132.7-96.3 142.8-104.7 173.4-128.7 5.8-4.5 9.2-11.5 9.2-18.9v-19c0-26.5-21.5-48-48-48H48C21.5 64 0 85.5 0 112v19c0 7.4 3.4 14.3 9.2 18.9 30.6 23.9 40.7 32.4 173.4 128.7 16.8 12.2 50.2 41.8 73.4 41.4z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"mailto:info@mckenziefriend.net\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContact\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-icon-box-description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tinfo@mckenziefriend.net\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c23867f elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-tablet-position-top elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-view-default elementor-position-top elementor-mobile-position-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"c23867f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<span  class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-clock\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M256,8C119,8,8,119,8,256S119,504,256,504,504,393,504,256,393,8,256,8Zm92.49,313h0l-20,25a16,16,0,0,1-22.49,2.5h0l-67-49.72a40,40,0,0,1-15-31.23V112a16,16,0,0,1,16-16h32a16,16,0,0,1,16,16V256l58,42.5A16,16,0,0,1,348.49,321Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span  >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOpen Hours\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"elementor-icon-box-description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMonday-Sunday 9 am - 8 pm <br \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f80af84 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f80af84\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-12d5c2f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"12d5c2f\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab2b80a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ab2b80a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Frequently Asked Questions \u2014 EEA &#038; EU Settlement Scheme<\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"faq-summary\">\n  <p>Find answers to the most common questions about Settled and Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3>What is the difference between Settled and Pre-Settled Status?<\/h3>\n<p>Settled Status is granted to those who have lived in the UK for 5 years or more, giving permanent residency rights. Pre-Settled Status applies to those with less than 5 years\u2019 residence \u2014 it allows you to stay until you qualify for Settled Status.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Can I still apply if I missed the deadline?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes \u2014 the Home Office may accept late applications if you have a valid reason for missing the original deadline (e.g., illness, lack of awareness, or dependency on another family member).<\/p>\n\n<h3>What proof of residence can I provide?<\/h3>\n<p>Acceptable documents include bank statements, utility bills, tenancy agreements, council tax records, or employment payslips covering your time in the UK.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Can I travel while my application is being processed?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can travel, but it\u2019s recommended to carry evidence of your submitted application. Always ensure your travel dates do not break continuous residence requirements.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Do family members need separate applications?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Each family member, including children, must submit their own individual application through the EUSS portal \u2014 though they can be linked to the main applicant\u2019s record.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Can I apply for British citizenship after Settled Status?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes \u2014 after holding Settled Status for 12 months (or immediately if married to a British citizen), you can apply for citizenship, provided you meet the residence and good character requirements.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Can I lose my Settled Status?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you may lose it if you live outside the UK for more than <strong>5 consecutive years<\/strong> (or 4 years for Swiss citizens). Always maintain UK residence or apply for citizenship to secure your status permanently.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"faq-contact-box\">\n  <h3>Need Help with Your EU Settlement Application?<\/h3>\n  <p>Our team provides fast, reliable, and affordable support for all EEA and EU nationals applying under the EU Settlement Scheme.<\/p>\n  <a href=\"\/uk\/contact\/\" class=\"gold-btn\">Get Assistance Today<\/a>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>EEA &amp; EU EEA &amp; EU Settlement Applications Helping EEA and EU nationals secure their legal status in the UK \u2014 from Settled and Pre-Settled Status to Permanent Residence and British Citizenship. Free case evaluation EEA &#038; EU Settlement Applications Following the UK\u2019s departure from the European Union, EEA and EU nationals are now required [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2476","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/themackenziefriends.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2476","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/themackenziefriends.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/themackenziefriends.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themackenziefriends.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themackenziefriends.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2476"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/themackenziefriends.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2476\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2908,"href":"https:\/\/themackenziefriends.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2476\/revisions\/2908"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/themackenziefriends.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2476"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}