29/01/2026
GOV.UK
If you are a legal representative or adviser, we would be grateful if you could communicate this information to your clients where possible
Dear EU Settlement Scheme status holder,
You are receiving this email because Home Office records show that you have status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
Please read this important information for all EUSS status holders about
keeping your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account details up to date; and
changes to the residence requirement for people applying for settled status
changes to the process for automatically granting settled status
Why keeping your UKVI account up to date matters
As you have EUSS status, you already have a UKVI account and do not need to create a new one. From 25th February 2026, additional checks will be in place to confirm your UK immigration status when travelling. If your details are not up to date in your UKVI account, you will experience delays or difficulties when travelling to or from the UK, and a carrier may deny you boarding.
You should update your details now to avoid future delays.
If you have pre-settled status, you may also have problems when applying for settled status if your identity document is not up to date.
What you need to do
Got a new passport or identity document since you first applied?
This includes anyone who travels on more than one passport or has changed or replaced their identity document. Update your UKVI account with the new document details now at: https://www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details
Planning to travel?
Make sure the document number, expiry date and nationality of your travel documents match those in your UKVI account.
Applying for settled status?
If your passport or identity document has changed, update your UKVI account before you apply.
If you have problems signing in to your UKVI account you can get help at https://update-your-details.homeoffice.gov.uk/account-recovery/help.
For more information or to check your eVisa details, visit: https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
A video on how to update your UKVI account is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-update-and-add-a-new-identity-document-to-your-ukvi-account-video
For latest information on the move to eVisas, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/updates-on-the-move-to-evisas/updates-on-the-move-to-evisas
Thank you for helping us keep your status updated and your travel smooth.
Changes to settled status residence requirements
The Home Office has simplified the residence requirements that pre-settled status holders must meet to obtain settled status. You can now qualify for settled status, if:
you have pre-settled status and been resident in the UK for at least 30 months (2.5 years) in the 5 years before you apply for settled status; and
you arrived in the UK at least 5 years ago.
Other important information
You don’t need to explain any time spent outside the UK, as long as you meet the new 30-month rule.
Any applications not yet decided will be assessed against this new rule.
If you were previously refused settled status or were granted leave under another immigration route, you may now qualify if you still have pre-settled status and meet the new requirements.
If you spent more than 2 years in a row outside the UK before 21 May 2024, your pre-settled status will have lapsed. We’re working on changes to help you qualify if you meet the new requirements and will provide an update soon.
Automated grants of settled status
Who is eligible?
We are automatically converting pre-settled status holders to settled status, where possible, using UK tax and benefit records. You’ll hear from us by email if this applies to you. You’ll be granted settled status automatically if:
you are an EEA or Swiss citizen who was resident in the UK by 23:00 on 31 December 2020; and
your UK tax and benefit records show you lived in the UK for 5 years with absences of less than six months in total in any 12-month period. From early 2026, we’ll update our system to use the new 30-month rule.
Who still needs to apply for settled status?
You’ll need to apply for settled status if any of these apply. You:
have not paid UK tax or received benefits for at least 30 months in the last 5 years
are a family member who is not from the EEA or Switzerland
are a joining family member who began residence in the UK after 31 December 2020
are under 18 years of age
have other eligibility requirements (e.g. derivative rights)
Encourage your family to apply for settled status if they are eligible. You can apply for them if they can’t do it themselves (for example, they are a child).
Need help?
Visit https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families for information.
Visit https://ukimmigration-support-webchat.homeoffice.gov.uk/euss for support.
Yours sincerely,
Home Office EUSS team
Privacy and Data:
Find out how we use your personal data: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-information-use-in-borders-immigration-and-citizenship/borders-immigration-and-citizenship-privacy-information-notice
How your personal information is used within the borders, immigration and citizenship system.
