Table Of Contents:
- Latest changes impacting digital immigration status checks, EUSS
- Digital Immigration Status Checks and UKVI Account Accuracy
- Revised Residence Requirements for Settled-status
- Expanding Automatic Upgrades to Settled Status
- Individuals Who Will Still Need to Apply
- Lapsed EUSS – Pre-Settled Status
Since the UK departed from the EU, immigration policy in relation to the nationals of the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, who were resident in the UK by 11 PM, 31 December 2020, and their family members has been in place and evolving. These nationals were given the right to protect their permission to live and work in the UK through settled and pre-settled status under the EUSS (EU Settlement Scheme). EUSS also allows the eligible individuals to settle in the UK.
Latest changes impacting digital immigration status checks, EUSS – Settled status eligibility, and automatic upgrades of status
The UK Home Office has released its latest guidance affecting individuals with settled or pre-settled status under the EUSS (EU Settlement Scheme). These updates introduce key changes to how individuals’ immigration status is verified, broaden eligibility requirements for settled status, and expand the circumstances in which individuals may automatically be granted settled status.
These latest developments are particularly relevant for those with pre-settled status, employers, and advisers supporting EU nationals and their families.
Digital Immigration Status Checks and UKVI Account Accuracy
Effective from 25 February 2026, the eligible visitors from 85 countries—including the United States, Canada, Australia, and France—who are usually exempt from a UK visa for entry into the UK, will not be able to board their transport and therefore cannot legally travel to the UK without securing an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) approval before travelling to the UK. Border Force officers (or eGates) will check their eVisa (or electronic immigration status), which is a digital permission to travel to the UK, before granting them entry into the UK. These individuals need a UKVI account where all their digital immigration information is stored and managed.
Travellers who will have outdated, inaccurate, or incomplete information in their UKVI account records may encounter
- Delays at the UK border
- Difficulties coming back (returning) to the UK
- Refusal of boarding by airlines, ferry, or carriers
People with EUSS status (Settled or Pre-settled) should review and update their UKVI account as soon as possible if they have:
- New passport issued
- Passport renewed, replaced, lost, or stolen
- Renewed or replaced their EU/EEA national ID card
- Upcoming international travel
- Plans to apply for EUSS – Settled status
Revised Residence Requirements for Settled-status
The Home Office (UK) has also announced a major change to the qualifying continuous residence period requirement for being eligible to apply for EUSS – Settled status.
Applicants may now qualify where they:
- Hold valid EUSS – Pre-settled status
- Can show they have lived in the UK for at least 30 months (2.5 years) within the last 5 years
- Started living in the UK by 11 PM, 31 December 2020
- Under the revised framework:
- Continuous residence of 30 months or 2.5 years is no longer required
- The Applicant does not need to justify the periods spent outside the UK, provided they meet the residence threshold
- Undecided EUU- Settled status applications will be assessed based on the new criteria
- Individuals who were previously refused an EUSS – settled status may now be eligible, subject to meeting the requirements
This change significantly reduces the evidential and legal burden for many applicants.
Expanding Automatic Upgrades to Settled Status
Starting in early 2025, the Home Office began automatically upgrading qualified holders of pre-settled status to settled status without requiring them to submit a new application. The process uses individuals’ National Insurance (NI) numbers to verify records of tax contributions and certain benefits, ensuring they meet the continuous residence criteria.
Currently, automatic upgrades apply to:
- Citizens of the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland who arrived in the UK by 11:00 PM on 31 December 2020
- Those with sufficient official records confirming long-term residence
From early 2026, the Home Office intends to update its automated systems so that checks take account of the revised 30-month residence requirement. Individuals who qualify will be notified directly by email and are not required to take any steps unless the Home Office specifically requests further action.
Individuals Who Will Still Need to Apply?
Although an automatic upgrade from pre-settled to settled status is in place, many EUSS holders will still be required to make a formal application for settled status. This includes individuals who:
- Do not have adequate UK tax records or evidence of qualifying benefits
- Are non-EEA family members
- Entered the UK as joining family members after 31 December 2020
- Are under the age of 18
- Qualify through derivative or alternative eligibility routes
Applications may be submitted by parents, legal guardians, or authorised representatives on behalf of dependants or applicants who require assistance.
Lapsed EUSS – Pre-Settled Status
The Home Office has restated that an individual’s EUSS – Pre-settled status may lapse where they spent more than 2 years in a row outside the UK before 21 May 2024.
Additional policy changes are being prepared to support impacted individuals, and further guidance is anticipated.