• Pre-settled status: Pre-settled status is a grant of limited immigration permission under the EUSS for eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and qualifying family members who started living in the UK by 11pm on 31 December 2020 but who had not yet built up the 5 years residence needed for settled status at the time they applied. It is recorded digitally in a UKVI account, and it supports practical day to day rights such as working, studying and renting. 

• Settled status: Settled status is a form of indefinite leave to remain (ILR) granted under the EUSS. It applies to eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and certain family members, who were living in the UK by 11pm on 31 December 2020 and who can show the required period of qualifying continuous residence. A person granted settled status has permission to live in the UK on an indefinite basis. This includes the right to work, study and rent property and to access healthcare and public funds where they meet the relevant eligibility rules. 

After 5 years of continuous leave, the Home Office will automatically update the individual's status to Settled if they have the evidence of the person’s continuous residence through their National Insurance contributions for example. Individuals may have to apply for Settled status if the Home Office does not have access to the evidence to support them to automatically update this. Learn more about who the Home Office can automatically convert to Settled status after they meet the requirements here.  

Unfortunately, GMIAU can only help with a limited number of EUSS applications through our Restricted Eligibility for Support (RESS) project. This is for single adults living in Greater Manchester who are facing imminent homelessness. People who cannot apply to RESS should contact Settled for support with such applications.