Advice for EU citizens

39,800 European Union (EU) citizens and family members living in Islington have so far applied under the Government’s EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), 18,560 people have been granted ‘settled’ status and 20,240 have been granted ‘pre-settled’ status.

The Council will do all it can to support residents who may be affected by the UK’s exit from the EU so they can continue to live and work here. See below for further information to help you find out what you may have to do if you have been granted status or still need to apply. 

If you have been granted settled or pre-settled status

• Keep status information updated.
• If you have pre-settled status you may apply for settled status once you have completed five years continuous residence.
• Be ready to view and prove your immigration status.
• If you have settled status you may be able to apply for British citizenship. Check if you can become a British Citizen.

If you applied to the EUSS and are still waiting for a decision

• As of June 2021 there are 100,000 delayed EUSS applications for London and there may be a wait for a decision, please contact the EU settlement resolution centre if you have been waiting for a long time.

If you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and did not apply before the 30 June 2021 deadline

• The 30 June 2021 deadline for applications has passed, but late applications will still be permitted under Home Office guidance (see pages 26-44). Your family members, including children, and non-EEA family members, may also need to apply.
• Making a late application requires that you have reasonable grounds for missing the deadline and you may need to seek immigration advice to understand how this affects you. If you have not applied by 30 June 2021, you will be unlawfully present in the UK and your entitlements to services and benefits could be affected.

If you need legal advice to help with your EUSS application or other immigration issue

There are local organisations that offer free, independent advice to residents applying for the scheme, particularly those who are vulnerable or need additional support:

• Citizens Advice Islington: offer advice Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Call 0300 330 1197 to speak to an advisor or book an appointment to come in to 222 Upper Street, N1 1XR.
• Islington Law Centre: may be able to assist with complex cases or support vulnerable residents to make applications. Email info@islingtonlaw.org.uk.
• Arachne Greek Cypriot Women’s Group: offer appointments Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 1pm. To book an appointment call 020 7263 6261.
• Settled, is a registered charity which provides free and reliable advice and guidance in different languages to EU citizens on the EU Settlement Scheme.

If you need specialist legal advice or if you are unsure if you qualify or need advice about your immigration options you can contact an immigration adviser through Here for good law or search for a local immigration adviser by postcode through GOV.UK 

If you are accessing benefits or other services

• Be ready to prove entitlement, either on the basis of having been granted settled or pre-settled status under the EUSS of having made an application.
• Refer to our Money and Debt and Housing Advice pages for help if problems are encountered.
• For information about your entitlements, see the NRPF Network website.

If you are a Zambrano carer, which means you are not a European Citizen but are the primary carer of a British child

• You may also apply under the EUSS but it is strongly recommended that you seek immigration advice before doing so, please refer to the Hackney Community Law Centre’s helpful summary and the Free Movement website’s post on Zambrano

Computer access or help to get online

You can visit Islington’s libraries where there is free wi-fi access. Library staff are on hand to offer help to get online or use online services – you can book an advice session with a member of staff if needed. Please note. Islington libraries are running a reduced service at the moment to stop the spread of coronavirus, find out more about changes to services.

Assisted Digital support is available over the phone, at a local centre or in your home if you do not have the appropriate access, skills or confidence to complete the form. Find out more about Assisted Digital support via GOV.UK.

Identity (ID) verification

If you have an Android or iPhone 7 or newer device, you can verify your identity through the EU Exit: ID Document Check app. If you are unable to use the app you can send your documents by post.