EU Settlement Scheme – support for colleagues
The EU Settlement Scheme is now fully open. If you need help with your application, we’re offering access to an Android smartphone, information sessions and personal support from a Freeths’ solicitor.
The EU Settlement Scheme will enable EU nationals resident in the UK and their family members to obtain the immigration status they will require in order to live and work in the UK after 30 June 2021. The deadline for applying, if the UK leaves the EU with a deal, will be 30 June 2021 and 31 December 2020 if there is a no deal exit.
For further information and to apply, visit the GOV.UK website.
Support for colleagues
Support is available to all EU nationals on the GOV.UK website and through the dedicated telephone advice service. The University is also offering a range of support and advice to colleagues.
- Android smartphone: If you want to use the Identity Document Check App to scan the chip in your biometric passport, you can book an appointment to use the University Android smartphone. Please email internationalhr@leeds.ac.uk
- Advice: If you have questions about the EU Settlement Scheme, you can contact your local HR hub.
- Information sessions: These events are hosted by Freeths Solicitors and share updates on Brexit and the settlement scheme. The next session is on Wednesday 10 April, 2pm - 3.30pm. Book your place.
- One-to-one meetings with a Freeths’ solicitor: These meetings are free of charge and for University colleagues to discuss their individual cases. To book a personal meeting, email internationalhr@leeds.ac.uk
FAQs
Why do EU nationals need to apply?
The UK is leaving the EU and free movement will end. This means that EU nationals resident in the UK and their family members need to obtain UK immigration status in order to evidence their right to work, housing and benefits in the UK after 30 June 2021.
An EU national with permanent residence status who wishes to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021 will either need to apply to the scheme or, if they prefer, apply for British citizenship. This is because permanent residence is an immigration status acquired under EU law whereas the scheme secures their status under UK law.
How is the scheme different to the earlier test phases?
Unlike the earlier test phases, in addition to EU nationals and their family members, nationals from EEA and EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) can now apply.
EU nationals will also be able to use a wider range of documents as proof of their identity and nationality, and they will be able to post them if they do not wish to or cannot use the Identity Document Check App.
Applications will be free of charge from within the UK from 30 March 2019 and overseas from 9 April 2019. If you applied during one of the test phases and paid a fee, you’ll be automatically refunded on the card you paid with – find out more on GOV.UK
Is the Identity Document Check App only available on Android?
Those with Apple iPhones will, for the time being, not be able to use their device to self-verify their identity. The Home Secretary has confirmed that the app will be available to Apple mobile and tablet devices, by the end of the year.
The use of the Identity Document Check App is optional – it is just one of the ways people will be able to verify their identity, including by post. Alternatively, the Home Office has provided a list of locations where applicants can have their biometric ID document scanned.
Posted in: Brexit