Last minute reminder of EU Settlement Scheme deadline

Cheshire West and Chester Council is urging all eligible residents who still need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to do so before the deadline next Wednesday.

European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss citizens – and their family members – who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 need to apply.

The deadline to apply for settled status is 30 June. If eligible residents do not apply before this deadline, they could lose their right to live, work and access NHS healthcare in the UK.

People who have lived in the UK for a long time or have a permanent resident document still need to apply. Children also need to have their own application to secure settled or pre-settled status.

Those who successfully apply to the EU Settlement Scheme will be given either settled or pre-settled status and will be able to continue to live and work in the UK after the deadline.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “We encourage any residents who still need to apply to do so immediately. We want to ensure all our eligible residents protect their rights so they can continue to safely live and work in the UK. Guidance is available to help apply for the settlement scheme.”

Advice and support with applications is available via CHAWREC (Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Race & Equality Centre). Due to Covid-19 restrictions they have had to suspend their drop in service at the Unity Centre in Chester; but you can contact their immigration advisor Karen on karen@chawrec.org.uk.

More information on the EU Settlement Scheme is available on the Gov.uk website or by calling 0300 123 7379.

An agreement between the UK government and the European Union offers protection for EU citizens including being able to obtain ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status. European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss citizens and their families may apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to get this status and stay in the UK.

Pictured - Councillor Louise Gittins.