Message from the Home Office received 23rd May 2024

'...Today we have announced changes to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) to further support our implementation of the High Court judgment in judicial review proceedings brought by the Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (IMA).   

You can view our GOV.UK statement on these changes here .  

The changes will ensure that citizens can continue to easily demonstrate their rights in practice and provide further clarity to third parties regarding those who hold pre-settled status under the EUSS.  

Changes to third party checks and checking services for pre-settled status holders   

The Home Office will remove the pre-settled status expiry date from the digital profiles shown to third parties in the online checking services for Right to Work, Right to Rent and View and Prove.  Employers, landlords and letting agents will not be required to conduct a further right to work or rent check where the individual remains in their employment or as part of that tenancy agreement.     

Relevant guidance will be updated to reflect these changes.   

What do third parties checking status have to do now?  

• Employers and landlords must continue to check the person they are employing or renting to has the right to work or rent in the UK.  These checks are carried out on all nationalities. 
• Where the individual holds pre-settled status, the employer or landlord/letting agent can confirm their right to work or rent by using the Home Office online checking service.   
• Having completed the initial right to work or rent check, a further follow-up check during the course of employment or a tenancy will not be required.  
• Licensing authorities carrying out “right to a license checks” in accordance with the guidance for licensing authorities to prevent illegal working in the taxi and private hire vehicle sector will no longer be required to carry out repeat checks where a holder of pre-settled status applies to extend or renew an existing license. Licensing authorities should retain copies of checks carried out when the license is applied for. 
• These changes will be reflected on the screens of the Right to Work, Right to Rent and View and Prove checking services.  
• Relevant guidance will also be updated to reflect these changes. 

How will this work for pre-settled statusholders?   

• Pre-settled status holders do not have to take any action as a result of these changes.  

Changing the duration of the pre-settled statusextension to 5 years  

TheHome Office will increase the length of pre-settledstatus extensions from 2 to 5 years.  This will provide additionalassurance to pre-settled status holders of their continuing rights, in light ofthe judgment.   

This will not impactanyone who already has settled status or has since become a Britishcitizen. 

How will this work for pre-settled statusholders?   

• Pre-settled status holders do not need to take any action as a result of this change.  
• The extension will be reflected in their digital status and the Home Office will contact them directly to let them know this has been done.  They do not need to contact the Home Office. 
• We continue to encourage EEA citizens and their family members to apply for settled status under the EUSS as soon as they’re eligible, to obtain secure confirmation of their right to remain permanently in the UK. You can apply to switch to settled status free of charge at www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status. A wide range of help and support is available for applicants who need it.  '