Settled status is the strongest proof of your permanent right to live in the UK.
The Home Office has made changes to make it easier for people with pre‑settled status to get settled status.
You can now qualify for settled status if you can show:
30 months of UK residence
within the last 5 years (60 months)
Automatic upgrades to settled status
From 9 April 2026, more people will be moved to settled status automatically, without having to apply.
The Home Office system now checks:
Tax records (HMRC)
Benefit records (DWP)
If these show 30 months of UK residence in the last 5 years, your status may be upgraded automatically.
❗ Who will still need to apply?
Some people cannot be upgraded automatically and will still need to apply themselves, including:
Non‑EEA family members
Family members who joined later
Children under 18
People without enough tax or benefit records
If you can’t be upgraded automatically: ️ your pre‑settled status will be extended by 5 years.
⚠️ Removal of pre‑settled status (from 9 April 2026)
The Home Office will also start removing pre‑settled status from people who have clearly stopped living in the UK.
This happens in two steps:
Step 1
Checks tax, benefits, and criminal records
If settled status eligibility is confirmed → status is upgraded automatically
Step 2
If eligibility is unclear, travel records are checked
Reviews start with people who appear to have been outside the UK for around 5 years
Important safeguards
Before removing anyone’s status:
You will be contacted first using your UKVI account details
You will be given time to send evidence or explain absences
Vulnerable people will be given extra support
The Home Office must consider: Your age, health, Personal circumstances
Every decision comes with a right of appeal
Important GOV.UK links:
EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status automation update - GOV.UK