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# This is what you need to know if you are applying for settled status after Brexit
- URL: https://www.birminghameastside.co.uk/this-is-what-you-need-to-know-if-you-are-applying-for-settled-status-after-brexit/
- Published: 2019-01-21T15:36:24.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-14T10:04:36.000Z
- Author: Manuel Del Solar Fernandez
- Tags: Education, Health, News, Politics, Transport, What's on, #Migrated-1786701253228, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-08-14 09:54

EU citizens who wish to stay in the UK will have to apply for settled status before June 2021, [according to the government website](https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk).

The settled scheme will allow EU nationals that have lived in the UK more than 5 years to have the same rights as **British citizens**.

The [online application system](https://www.gov.uk/apply-stay-uk-leaves-eu-test-phase?step-by-step-nav=0c79b832-75de-4854-8154-d62774a8dfb8&ref=birminghameastside.co.uk) opened today.

### If you have lived in the UK more than 5 years

EU nationals who have been UK residents **continuously for 5 years** can apply for settled status.

If you want to apply for this status, you must have lived in the UK at least 6 months out of every 12-month period.

**The exceptions** for one period up to 12 months are:

- Childbirth.
- Serious illness.
- Study.
- Vocational training.
- Overseas work.
- Compulsory military service of any length.

### If you have lived in the UK less than 5 years

Those who have been in the UK **less than 5 years** can apply for pre-settled status.

This means you can stay in the UK foranother 5 years after getting pre-settled status. After that, you can apply for **settled status** if you want.

### Why get settled or pre-settled status?

Once you get settled or pre-settled status **you will be able to:**

- Work in the UK.
- Use the NHS.
- Begin or continue studying.
- Have access to public funds like pension and benefits if eligible.
- Travel into and out of the country.

If you have settled status you can also apply for **British Citizenship** if eligible.

### How much does it cost?

https://giphy.com/gifs/the-wolf-of-wall-street-gTURHJs4e2Ies

The fees are the same for both pre-settled and settled status.

- For people 16 or over it will cost **£65**.
- For those under 16 it will be **£32,50**.

Changing from pre-settled status to settled status will have **no additional cost** after April 2019.

### Conditions to apply

To apply for either status it will be necessary to submit:

- Identity document (passport, national identity card or biometric residence card).
- Proof of residence in the UK.
- Clarification of whether you have "criminal conditions" in any overseas country.

**Irish citizens** will not need to apply as they are under the [Common Travel Area](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment%5Fdata/file/754019/common-travel-area-v2.0ext.pdf?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk) established in 1993 to ensure open borders between both countries.

See the process explained in this infographic:

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/63/9b/639bf577-7ed7-44fe-8d64-ac66eaeee42e/content/images/2026/08/settled-status-in-the-uk.jpg)