The Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) (Amendment) Order 2024 (SI 2024/663) simplifies the rules for how long certain EU citizens can stay outside the UK without their immigration permission expiring.
Updated Absence Rules for EUSS
Under the new rules, from 21 May 2024, those with either pre-settled or settled status under the EU settlement scheme have the right to be absent from the UK for up to five years before their status automatically lapses.
Prior to the change, EU citizens with pre-settled status (limited leave) could only be absent from the UK for a maximum of two years before their immigration permission lapsed. EU citizens with settled status (indefinite leave) had a longer absence allowance, typically five years.
With the new provisions now in effect, all EU citizens with leave granted under Appendix EU (both pre-settled and settled) can now be absent from the UK for up to five years before their immigration permission lapses.
This change affords those with pre settled status greater flexibility to travel outside the UK for extended periods without losing their immigration permission. It also simplifies the system by removing the need to distinguish between pre-settled and settled status for absence purposes.
EU citizens should, however, still check their specific visa grant for any variations in absence allowances.
Importantly, this change only applies to EU citizens with leave granted under Appendix EU, and does not affect the rules for other immigration categories.
