Citizens’ Rights Watchdog Urges EU Settlement Scheme Late Applicants to Check Their Application Evidence
The Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (IMA) is urging citizens with reasonable grounds for applying late to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) to make sure they are providing sufficient information and evidence to demonstrate these.
The advice comes as the Home Office has made changes to the way it considers late applications to the EUSS. In particular, a late applicant is now required to show that there are reasonable grounds for their delay in making their application. Otherwise, the application will be rejected as invalid and they will not receive a Certificate of Application confirming the temporary protection of their rights.
The Home Office has also published updated, non-exhaustive guidance for EUSS caseworkers on what may constitute reasonable grounds for applying late. Citizens now need to provide objectively verifiable evidence, such as a letter from a doctor, to show there are reasonable grounds for their delay in applying. Being unaware of the requirement to apply to the EUSS will generally no longer be considered reasonable grounds for delay unless there are very compelling practical or compassionate reasons.
Citizens who consider they have reasonable grounds for making a late application should apply to the EUSS as soon as possible.
If further support is required, there is a network of organisations which can assist with the process of applying to the EUSS.
Anyone who has experienced difficulty demonstrating reasonable grounds for making a late application to the EUSS can report it to the IMA via our complaints’ portal.