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What’s the difference between settled and pre-settled status?

Settled status is granted to those who have lived in the UK continuously for 5 years and if granted, allows you to continue living and working in the UK indefinitely.

Pre-settled status is granted to those who haven’t yet lived in the UK continuously for 5 years and so they are given the right to remain in the UK for a further 5 years, rather than permanently.  Individuals will then be able to convert this into settled status once they have reached 5 years in the UK in total.

Read more about this and other questions in our

Right to work checks and civil penalties section.

Disclaimer

Given the fast pace of change, we would stress that this information is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.

As a hub, we have included references to articles and explainers from third parties. We have no control over and are not responsible for the content, use by you or availability of those third party websites, for any products or services you buy through those sites or for the treatment of any personal information you provide to the third party.

Our immigration team

Flora Mewies

Flora Mewies

Partner | Employment

Leeds and Manchester

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Roisin Patton

Roisin Patton

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Newcastle

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Gillian Burns

Gillian Burns

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Natalie Payne

Natalie Payne

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Leeds and Manchester

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Isabelle Cernis

Isabelle Cernis

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