There has been much speculation over whether post-Brexit there will be a shortage of the diversity of European faces. Many EU passport holders have been applying for “Settled Status” to remain in the U.K. especially after it was announced recently that the £65 charge would be waived. Mad Dog asked a colleague to apply for Settled Status. Here is what they found.
Main facts so far:
The test phase is currently open, but the scheme officially opens 30th March 2019.
It is voluntary and you have until 30th June 2021 to apply.
Need proof of identity (e.g. EU Passport and other docs accepted) to apply for the test phase application.
Need proof of residence in the UK for the last 5 years (see further guidance regarding 5 year period, including exemptions here: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status)
Download App – EU Exit ID Document Check – only currently works on Android for the test phase.
During the test phase there is a £65 fee (that will be refunded.)
Road Test of application process by a Mad Dog 2020 acquaintance:
“I applied for the EU settled status to test the process. It certainly is not as straightforward as the politicians are letting you believe…!
I ended up paying the application fee (which will be refunded at some point in the future) without the application being processed due to technical and procedural issues. Fair to say there are some teething problems.
Key findings:
- Application process is fully open from 30 March 2019 until 31 December 2020 if the UK leaves without a deal (30 June 2021 with a deal).
- During the trial phase of the scheme (ending 29 March) you actually still have to pay £65 per application. Only free from 30 March 2019.
- The application process could be very good / straightforward, but it isn’t yet. Default outcome is pre-settled status without them checking their own records first, followed by being asked to provide unnecessary further evidence (their own admittance) instead of taking a bit longer to end up with the right outcome, in my case ‘settled status’.
- My advice is to wait until the scheme is properly up and running. I filled in a customer survey to share my experience with them so they can hopefully improve it.
After the technical glitches, my application is now progressing. Home Office have removed the need for further evidence (without me providing any) for all bar one year which they should be able to process with the latest self-assessment tax return.”
Get help
You can get help with your application on the phone or online.
If you’re inside the UK:
Telephone: 0300 123 7379
Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges
If you’re outside the UK:
Telephone: +44 (0)203 080 0010
Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), 8am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Useful Sources:
https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/video_and_audio/headlines/46925379/how-do-you-apply-for-settled-status-after-brexit
Please note that Mad Dog 2020 is an agency, therefore the work you undertake with us is self-employed and we are not able to help artists with applying for settled status. The above information is extracted from third party sources. Should you need more assistance, please use the appropriate channels as provided above.