The Home Office published an important policy update on 9 April 2026, setting out changes to how the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) will be managed going forward.
The update focuses on two key areas:
• Expanding the automatic grant of settled status for eligible pre-settled status holders.
• Introducing a more structured process to review and remove pre-settled status where residency requirements are no longer met.
With around 1.4 million people still holding pre-settled status at the end of 2025, these changes may affect a significant number of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens living in the UK.
What Is Settled Status Under the EU Settlement Scheme?
Settled status is usually granted to individuals who can show five years of continuous residence in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man.
Unless applying as a joining family member, residence in the UK generally needs to begin by 31 December 2020.
If granted settled status, a person can usually remain in the UK indefinitely.
Most holders can spend up to five consecutive years outside the UK without losing settled status. Swiss citizens can usually spend up to four years outside the UK.
Automatic Grants of Settled Status Expanded
The Home Office has confirmed that it is improving automated checks to help eligible people move from pre-settled status to settled status without making a fresh application.
This aims to simplify the transition for those who already qualify.
The 30 in 60 Residence Chec
The updated system uses government data such as tax and benefits records to assess residence.
It looks for evidence of 30 months of residence within the most recent 60-month period.
This approach reduces the need for some individuals to provide detailed evidence of absences and continuous residence manually.
Who May Not Be Upgraded Automatically?
Not every pre-settled status holder will qualify for automatic conversion.
According to the published information, this may include:
• Individuals without sufficient tax or benefit history
• Certain non-EEA family members
• Joining family members
• Applicants under 18
• People with derivative rights
• Those who now hold another immigration status
Where automatic conversion does not occur, pre-settled status may continue to be extended to preserve lawful status.
New Reviews of Pre-Settled Status
The Home Office has also announced a more structured process for identifying individuals who may no longer meet the residence requirements for pre-settled status.
This means some cases may be reviewed when a person has spent long periods outside the UK.
How Checks May Be Carried Out
The published information states that checks may involve:
• Tax and benefits records
• Home Office travel data
Current priorities include people with the longest absences from the UK, especially absences of five years or more.
Safeguards Before Status Is Removed
The Home Office said safeguards will apply before a final decision is made.
These may include:
• Contact by email or telephone using UKVI account details.
• A period of 28 days to respond.
• Possible extensions where appropriate.
• Additional support for vulnerable individuals.
The Home Office also states proportionality and personal circumstances should be considered.
Relevant factors may include:
• Age
• Health
• Disability
• Family life in the UK
• Work or study ties
• Compassionate circumstances
• Integration in the UK
Should You Apply for Settled Status Manually?
If you are not upgraded automatically, it may still be possible to apply for settled status directly.
Many people choose to apply manually if they believe they already meet the residence requirements rather than wait for automated checks.
Carefully reviewing residence history, absences, and available evidence is important before applying.
What Pre-Settled Status Holders Should Do Now
If you currently hold pre-settled status, practical steps may include:
• Checking that your UKVI account email and phone number are current.
• Reviewing how much time you have spent outside the UK.
• Gathering evidence of UK residence
• Assessing whether you may already qualify for settled status
• Seeking advice if your absences are complex Taking early action may help avoid uncertainty later.
Why These Changes Matter
The April 2026 update shows that the Home Office is now taking a more active approach to managing pre-settled status cases.
For some people, this may lead to a simpler route to settled status.
For others, particularly those with lengthy absences, it may raise questions about continued eligibility.
Understanding your position now is the safest approach.
Interested in Working With Us?
At Queensbury, we advise EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, and their family members, on the EU Settlement Scheme, settled status applications, residence requirements, and complex absence issues.
If you hold pre-settled status and want clarity on your next steps, we can help assess your position and guide you through the best route forward.
