EU CITIZENS

If you’re an EU citizen (not British or Irish) living in Northern Ireland you and your family will need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK.

The application process is online and is free of charge. For the vast majority of people the deadline for arriving in the UK is 31 December 2020, with an application deadline of 30 June 2021.

If your application is successful you’ll receive either Settled or Pre-settled Status which means you can continue to live, work, go to school, access healthcare etc.

Depending on your circumstances this could be a complex issue and we highly recommend speaking to an independent immigration advisor.  Please be wary of unaccredited individuals providing advice for a fee. If you do not apply or make an unsuccessful application you will not be legally resident in the UK.

Free independent advisors

• Advice NI – EU Settlement Scheme helpline – freephone 0800 138 6545 or email euss@adviceni.net
• Stronger Together EUSS Support Project – telephone 028 8775 0211 or email info@strongertogetherni.org

For more information please visit the Gov.Uk website >> click here.

IRISH CITIZENS (not born in Northern Ireland)

The UK government website states that Irish citizens can apply, but they are not required to apply, for EU Settled Status. Their right to live, work, access social welfare etc will be provided under the Common Travel Area rules.  HOWEVER please note that there are more rights protected under EU rules including the right to have your non-EU family members live with you.  Your non-Irish non-British family members are not protected by the Common Travel Area.

• This article by FreeMovement provides (complex) clarification and raises issues for Irish citizens – https://www.freemovement.org.uk/how-will-brexit-affect-irish-citizens/ 

IRISH CITIZENS and BRITISH CITIZENS born in Northern Ireland

Irish citizens who were born in Northern Ireland are also deemed to be British citizens by the UK Home Office. The EU Settlement Scheme is not open to British citizens HOWEVER a special recognition for the People of Northern Ireland (as noted in the Good Friday / Belfast Agreement) was recently introduced and as a result their non-EU family members will, from 24th August 2020, be entitled to apply for the EUSS.

Border People Podcasts:

UK’s EU Settlement Scheme – Annmarie O’Kane with Guest Speaker Fiona Prior, Advice NI (January 2021)

EUSS for People of Northern Ireland – Annmarie O’Kane with Guest Speaker Una Boyd, CAJ (August 2020)

Key reading:

• Advisor guidance on changes to the EU Settlement Scheme – CAJ
• People born in Northern Ireland get improved family reunion rights by Una Boyd, CAJ,  Source: Freemovement.org
• Easier access to benefits for family members of people from Northern Ireland by Alex Piletska, Source: Freemovement.org