Source: The Home Office
Are you currently employing people from the EU who may need to apply for UK settlement? If so, this information is extremely important and should be shared with staff immediately; the time for this pilot is really tight as it closes on 21st December 2018.
Many people will want to complete the application now within the timeline of the pilot, however, please be aware that the full scheme will open again in March 2019. So, if this deadline is missed please assure staff that they will still be able to complete the process.
Staff at HCPA have already completed the application and will be able to assist with any questions. It is our understanding that it is not too onerous so please encourage people to apply.
Who is eligible for the pilot?
Under this phase of the pilot, you’ll be able to apply for status under the scheme if you’re either:
- a resident EU citizen with a valid passport
- the non-EU citizen family member of an EU citizen and you have a biometric residence card
You must also either be:
- working in the higher education, health or social care sectors in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
- a child under the age of 18 being looked after by one of the local authorities involved in the pilot or eligible for support or assistance from one of those local authorities because you were looked after by them as a child
- receiving support from one of the community organisations involved in the pilot
You must not apply under the pilot unless you meet these eligibility requirements.
Can your family members apply?
Your family members won’t be able to apply during this phase of the pilot unless they are also eligible through their employment with a participating organisation or they are also being supported by one of the participating community organisations.
When can you apply?
You’ll be able to apply during the pilot anytime between 1st November 2018 to 21st December 2018.
You must make your application before 22 December 2018 if you wish to obtain status under the scheme during this pilot phase.
Please note: An application under the scheme will not be rejected due to a genuine error by the applicant as to whether they came within the scope of the pilot.
How do you start your application?
You must be in the UK to apply. You’ll also need to be able to access an Android device in order to use a Home Office app to enable the Home Office to confirm your identity as part of the application process.
You will need:
- an email address
- Your current passport / e-passport / biometric residence card
- your national insurance number
- a bank card to make the necessary payment of £65 (for adults)
- an Android phone (such as a Samsung, Google or Sony phone) with ‘contactless’ (Enable NFC – this means you can use your phone to pay for things)
What happens if you miss the EU Settlement Scheme Pilot end date?
Don’t worry if you’ve missed the EU Settlement Scheme Pilot end date. By the 30th of March 2019, the EU Settlement Scheme will be open to all eligible applicants, including family members.
If you require any help with your EU Settlement Scheme Pilot application, please do not hesitate to contact FAQ@hcpa.info
*Further information
This phase of the pilot is only open to people who meet the eligibility rules set out above.
This means you must not apply during the pilot unless you’re employed in the higher education, health or social care sectors, as set out above, or are eligible as a looked-after child (or former looked-after child) of one of the local authorities involved in the pilot, or because you’re receiving support from a community organisation participating in the pilot.