As you may be aware, the deadline for EU nationals to apply for Settled and Pre-Settled Status expired on 30th June 2021.
Citizens Advice Cymru has been funded to support clients across Wales with applications and associated advice services, and the Welsh Government has extended this service until 31 Marchth 2022 as there is a considerable backlog of cases where people still need support with their applications and broader advice issues.
We wanted to take this opportunity to advise that there are still opportunities for individuals and their families who missed the deadline to apply.
Firstly, those who have applied before the 30th June but whose applications have not been decided on will have their existing rights protected pending the outcome of their application, including access to work, study and use the NHS.
The EU Settlement Scheme has also made provision for late applications to be made by EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family who can show they have reasonable grounds for missing the deadline either for ‘practical’ or ‘compassionate’ reasons.
EU citizens who arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020, who have not yet applied must apply urgently. It is possible that there are individuals within your client base who may not yet have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme and they are eligible, and we would urge the sharing of the message to encourage them to do so and they may contact our services for support with their applications. Those who have applied late still have their rights protected while their application is determined.
Citizens Advice Cymru have specialist staff and caseworkers who can help with both existing and late applications, and this includes individuals and their families or carers, delivered by colleagues at Citizens Advice Cardiff and Vale, Citizens Advice Flintshire and Citizens Advice Newport, which continues to be available until March 2022, including specialist casework on Employment and Discrimination.
The national and local telephone lines can be accessed on their Partnership Page. Individuals who contact our Wales national helpline on 0300 3309 059 can leave a message and an adviser will contact them back within two working days between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Specialist EU Settlement Scheme Appeals Service
The Welsh Government has also funded a dedicated appeals service by Newfields Law (in Cardiff) for clients who wish to challenge the outcome of UKVI’s decision on EUSS applications by appealing to the Immigration Tribunal and will also be available until the end of the year. They offer the following contact routes: 0292 1690049 or info@newfieldslaw.com.
EU Citizens FactSheets
The Welsh Government has produced the following EU citizens’ rights factsheets in both English and Welsh, which could help inform those who access your services, including Rights to Access Benefits; Rights to Free NHS Healthcare; Rights to housing; Rights to Study; Rights to Vote; Rights to Work. These factsheets can be downloaded from the Welsh Government Website in English and Welsh.
