Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government, with regard to the statement of changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 836), why the period in which a pre-settled status holder can maintain their continuous residence through permitted absence has been set at 30 months in the most recent 60 months, and what was the evidential basis for this decision.

The decision was made following engagement with EU citizens and stakeholders and simplifies the requirements that pre-settled status holders must meet to maintain that status and obtain settled status.

This is a practical change that balances simplicity and flexibility for those who have already shown a commitment to the UK with the need to maintain the integrity of the EU Settlement Scheme by ensuring those applying for the first time meet the pre-existing criteria.

These changes do not widen the initial eligibility requirements for the scheme. First time applicants must meet the existing continuous residence requirements to be granted EU Settlement Scheme status. Maintaining those requirements is essential to maintaining the integrity of the scheme and the wider UK immigration system.