The difference between Pre-Settled Status (PSS) and Settled Status (SS)
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The difference between Pre-Settled Status (PSS) and Settled Status (SS)
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Please note: This is a general overview of the differences between PSS and SS and does not provide a full picture of rights. Rights may be restricted, for example due to criminal conduct, absence or fraudulent applications. Legal advice should be sought where you have individual concerns. If you wish to raise a complaint in respect of your rights, our portal can be found here.
The differences between…
| Pre-Settled Status (PSS) | Settled Status (SS) |
|---|---|
| Status Type: Limited leave to remain. | Status Type: Indefinite leave to remain. |
| Eligibility: EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens, and their family members, who lived in the UK by 31 December 2020 and have less than 5 years continuous residence*.
Joining family members of an EU, EEA, or Swiss Citizen who started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and has SS or PSS. |
Eligibility: EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens, and their family members, who lived in the UK by 31 December 2020 and have at least 5 years continuous residence*.
Joining family members of an EU, EEA, or Swiss Citizen who started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and has SS or PSS. |
| Duration: Granted for 5 years initially which will be extended unless you already have or are eligible for settled status, subject to some exceptions. | Duration: Granted indefinitely, no further application needed (subject to absence limitation, criminal conduct that reaches a particular threshold…) |
| Absence from UK : Up to 6 months in any 12 month period (one absence up to 12 months may be permitted for important reasons, for example, childbirth, serious illness, study). Recent changes have been made, the changes do not apply on your first application for pre-settled status*. | Absence from UK: Up to 5 years (4 years for Swiss citizens) in a row permitted without losing status. |
| Access to Benefits: May be restricted, some benefits may require proof of a ‘right to reside’* as well as meeting the benefit eligibility requirements. | Access to Benefits: Full access to public funds, where eligibility requirements are met. Eligibility requirements are the same for UK nationals. |
