UK Immigration Update – Key Changes To The EU Settlement Scheme And More

On 24 June 2025, the UK Government issued a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, introducing key updates that will impact a wide range of applicants. These include changes to the EU Settlement Scheme, 10-year long residence route, private and family life route, and several other visa categories.

The changes will come into effect in phases, starting from 16 July 2025, with further updates taking effect on 29 July 2025.

Below, our immigration team outlines the key changes and what they could mean for you or your clients.

1. EU Settlement Scheme: Flexibility Added to Continuous Residence Rules (Effective from 16 July 2025)

The EU Settlement Scheme allows eligible EU citizens and their family members to apply for Pre-Settled Status or Settled Status (indefinite leave to remain).

Under the new rules, applicants with Pre-Settled Status may now be granted Settled Status if they have lived in the UK for any 30 months within the most recent 5-year period. Crucially, the 30 months do not need to be consecutive.

This applies whether applicants apply manually or through the Home Office’s automated process.

This change provides greater flexibility and will allow more EU nationals to qualify for permanent residence in the UK sooner than previously expected.

2. Restricted Leave: Tightening Access to Other Immigration Routes (Effective from 16 July 2025)

The rules on Restricted Leave have been updated to prevent individuals who have been denied asylum or humanitarian protection—but cannot be removed from the UK for legal reasons—from switching into other immigration categories.

Restricted Leave remains a form of exceptional permission to stay, typically granted where removal would breach the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). These individuals are now expressly prohibited from using this leave to access other immigration routes.

This change ensures consistency with existing Home Office policy and strengthens the integrity of the UK’s immigration framework.

3. Private and Family Life Route: Greater Access to Settlement for Adults and Children (Effective from 29 July 2025)

Several important updates have been made under Appendix Private Life:

Adults aged 18 and over who have lived in the UK for at least half their lives and who were granted leave under Appendix FM or outside the rules before 20 June 2022 may now be eligible for settlement.

Children who have lived in the UK for seven years may now qualify for settlement after just five years of residence.

Children born in the UK will now be subject to the same continuous residence requirements as those born overseas, providing consistency across the category.

These amendments offer a more inclusive and compassionate approach for individuals and families who have long-standing ties to the UK.

4. Time Spent in Crown Dependencies Now Counts Towards Continuous Residence (Effective from 29 July 2025)

Applicants can now count time spent in Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man—on visa routes equivalent to those in the UK—as part of their continuous lawful residence for UK immigration purposes.

This is particularly relevant for individuals applying under long residence or private life routes and ensures that time spent in Crown Dependencies is fairly recognised.

5. Clarifying Lawful Residence for Former British Citizens (Effective from 29 July 2025)

Under the updated Appendix Long Residence, time spent in the UK as a British citizen will now count as lawful residence—unless that citizenship has since been revoked (for example, because it was acquired through fraud).

This change confirms that individuals who surrendered their British citizenship will be able to rely on their time in the UK as a British citizen to meet the 10-year long residence requirement.

Need Expert Advice on Immigration Routes?

These changes reflect a tightening of policy in some areas, and greater flexibility in others. If you or someone you know is affected—whether through the EU Settlement Scheme, long residence, family life, or private life—our immigration specialists can offer personalised advice and guidance.