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Streamlined Process for Pre-Settled Status Holders: A Step Forward in the EUSS

The UK Home Office has recently introduced a significant update for individuals holding pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS). As part of this update, pre-settled status holders who are approaching the expiry of their status will now be automatically considered for conversion to settled status, removing the need for a separate application. This new process aims to simplify the transition and help individuals continue living and working in the UK with greater ease.

If you’re a pre-settled status holder, you may have been expecting to apply for settled status once you reach the five-year mark. However, thanks to this new automated process, if you meet the criteria, the Home Office will carry out the necessary checks and, if eligible, automatically grant you settled status. Importantly, you don’t need to take any action for this to happen.

What Happens If Your Status Is Not Automatically Converted?

In cases where the automatic checks do not result in the granting of settled status, the Home Office will notify you. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as missing information or a failure to meet the continuous residence requirement. In such cases, or if you don’t want to wait for the automated process, you can still apply for settled status independently as soon as you become eligible.

For those who are unsure about the status of their application or would like to avoid delays, consulting with an experienced immigration advisor can make all the difference. Our team specialises in handling complex cases and will ensure that your application is fully prepared and submitted correctly, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.

Challenges Of Proving Continuous Residence

Amongst other eligibility requirements one must meet for successful outcome of the settled status application, the key requirement is demonstrating continuous residence in the UK for at least five years. This can be difficult for some, particularly if there have been periods of absence due to factors beyond their control. For example, travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, school closures, medical emergencies, or family obligations may have impacted their ability to meet the residence requirement.

If you’ve encountered such challenges, it’s important to know that opportunities remain to apply for settled status. In these situations, providing sufficient documentation to demonstrate your time in the UK is crucial. While the automated process may not always account for exceptional circumstances, individuals can still make a case for meeting the continuous residence requirement through alternative evidence.

Navigating the EUSS Process With Our Expert Team

For pre-settled status holders, especially those facing difficulties in having their status automatically converted, the process can feel overwhelming. It’s important to stay informed about the criteria and what steps to take if your application is not automatically processed. Being aware of your rights and the available options can help ensure that your status is correctly updated, allowing you to continue living and working in the UK.

Our experienced team at Quastels will come up with the solution to ensure your continued right to reside in the UK. We understand the challenges you may face and are committed to supporting you through the process with professionalism and dedication. If you’re a pre-settled status holder and unsure about your next steps, please contact us.

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Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) Scheme

UPE was launched on 4th February 2025 to provide Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members with an opportunity to extend their stay in the UK for up to 18 months. This scheme ensures continued access to work, education, and public funds for those who have previously been granted permission under one of the existing Ukraine schemes.

Important Things to Know

Who Can Apply?

You can apply if you:

• Are in the UK when applying,
• Have permission under one of these schemes:
  • Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
  • Ukraine Family Scheme
  • Ukraine Extension Scheme
• Have been living in the UK since receiving this permission,
• Are the partner of a Ukrainian national,
• Have a child born in the UK to a Ukrainian parent with permission under these schemes.

When to Apply (28-Day Rule) for UPE

You can apply to the scheme at any point within the 28 days before your current permission expires. If you apply too early, your application may be rejected and not considered. To check the expiry date of your current visa, follow the relevant link.

Important to Note

• If you have changed your address or passport, you should update your UKVI account before applying. Ensure all details are accurate before submission by signing into your UKVI account.
• Applying on time is crucial to maintaining your right to work, live, rent, or study in the UK.

Spending Time Outside the UK

If you have spent long periods outside the UK, you may need to show proof that the UK is still your main home.

How to Apply for UPE

You must be inside the UK when applying for UPE. Complete the required application and provide your biometrics. In most cases, applicants must attend a biometric appointment to submit their fingerprints and facial image as part of the immigration process.

Processing Time

After you apply online, verify your identity, and submit your documents and biometrics (if needed), the Home Office will review your application.

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

If your current visa or permission expires before they decide, you don’t need to do anything- your permission will automatically continue under Section 3C leave.

Need Help?

If you are unsure about your eligibility or have spent significant time outside the UK in the last three years, get in touch for support and advice.

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New Build Conveyancing Timeline: A Buyer’s Guide to Post-Exchange

There are various stages to purchasing a property before it is fully constructed, and collaboration with your solicitor is key to ensure seamless progression with the New Build Conveyancing timeline.

Prior to exchange of contracts, your solicitor negotiates on your behalf and reports to you on the legal documents for your purchase. On the date of exchange, you become legally bound by the contract, and proceed with the following stages until your New Build Property is ready to move into.

Post-Exchange

Immediately following exchange, you should diarise the timescales which are set out in your contract, to ensure you are prepared for each.

Key dates to note include:

• Stage Payments are due on specific dates over the course of months or years leading up to completion.
• Estimated Completion Date when the Developer expects for construction to be concluded, and for legal completion to take place.
• Fixed Completion Date is only applicable in certain situations when construction of the Property is already finished.
• Longstop Date is the final deadline by which completion must take place, or the buyer may terminate the contract and recover their deposit.

Stage Payments

Approximately one month before your stage payment is due, you should contact your solicitor to provide updated source of funds documents, so you may send the stage payment to them. 

Solicitors are obligated to complete due diligence checks for each payment towards your purchase. You should provide the documents in plenty of time and highlight any changes in your source of funds to your solicitor as early as possible.

Legal Completion

If you are obtaining mortgage finance, you should begin this process approximately six months before the Estimated Completion Date. Although most mortgage offers are valid for six months, some Lenders may allow up to twelve months for newbuild properties, to accommodate for potential delays.

Once construction is complete and Building Control has given their approval, the developer will give you ten working days to complete the purchase.

It is recommended to inspect the Property in person before completion, to ensure any snagging issues are raised with the Developer.

You will sign your final Lease and Plans which, dependent on the Developer’s preference, may be signed electronically or in ink. Once source of funds checks are complete, you should organise the purchase balance to your solicitor, with any stamp duty and legal fees payable.

You should note that if you do not complete within the 10 working days, the developer will charge you a daily interest at the rate set out in your contract, often 4% above the Base Rate. The developer will also have the right to terminate the contract, keep your deposit and stage payments, and sue you for damages.

Post-Completion

Your solicitor will deal with the payment of Stamp Duty Land Tax and the registration of your lease at the Land Registry. They will also activate your New Build warranty, which remains in effect for ten years following completion. You should keep these documents safe to pass on if you come to sell the Property.

The Land Registry has extended processing timescales for new Leases, which currently average 10 to 18 months. Be assured, once your Land Registry application is submitted, it is “priority protected”. This means your application takes priority over any subsequent applications lodged against the title after yours. Nevertheless, it is not easy to expedite a new lease application as the Land Registry would have to deal with every prior application to yours.

Conclusion

Purchasing a New Build Property is an extensive but gratifying process. Good preparation and communication with your solicitor are vital to achieving the most successful, yet smooth conclusion.

At Quastels, we take a collaborative approach to ensure buyers are included in the process and have a positive experience throughout the stages of the New Build Conveyancing timeline.

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