Pre-Settled to Settled Status 2026: The New 30-in-60 Rule and Automatic Conversion Explained

Last reviewed: 30 April 2026  |  Sources: Home Office — EUSS status automation update April 2026, GOV.UK | Withdrawal Agreement

What changed on 9 April 2026

The Home Office made two significant changes to the EU Settlement Scheme on 9 April 2026, affecting approximately 1.4 million people who still held pre-settled status at the end of 2025.

Change 1 — Simpler automatic conversion test: The automated system that upgrades eligible pre-settled holders to settled status now uses a straightforward "30 in 60" test: 30 months of HMRC tax payments or DWP benefit records in the most recent 60-month period. This replaced the previous automated test, which was modelled on the Withdrawal Agreement's complex continuous residence rules (broadly, no more than 6 months absent in any 12-month period over 5 years). The new test is the same as the alternative residence test introduced for manual applications in July 2025, bringing both processes into alignment.

Change 2 — Systematic pre-settled status removal: For the first time, the Home Office announced and began implementing a formal process to remove pre-settled status from individuals who appear to have ceased UK residence. The process starts with those who have been outside the UK for 5 or more years, using tax, benefit, criminal records and travel data to verify residence.

How automatic conversion works in practice

The automated system does not assess everyone simultaneously. It processes pre-settled status holders as their status approaches expiry — not as soon as they complete 5 years of residence. If your pre-settled status was recently extended by 5 years (a standard extension granted when it would otherwise lapse), you may not be assessed automatically for years even if you already meet the 30-in-60 test now.

The safest approach remains applying manually through GOV.UK as soon as you meet the residence requirement. Manual applications are free and straightforward for most people. When the system converts you automatically, you receive an email notification to the address on your UKVI account — which is why keeping your UKVI account contact details current is essential.

Who cannot be converted automatically

The current automated system cannot process the following groups — they must apply manually:

• EEA citizens without 30 months of UK tax or benefit records in the past 60 months
• Non-EEA national family members (including non-EU spouses and children)
• Joining family members of any nationality who arrived after 31 December 2020
• Those who have obtained a different UK immigration status since receiving pre-settled status
• Individuals under 18
• Those relying on derivative rights (e.g. Ruiz Zambrano carers) to qualify under the EUSS

Pre-settled status removal: what you need to know

Before removing anyone's pre-settled status, the Home Office must follow a two-stage proportionality process:

1. Stage 1: Check tax, benefit and criminal records data to assess residence and eligibility. If settled status can be confirmed, it is granted automatically. If residence cannot be confirmed, proceed to Stage 2.
2. Stage 2: Review Home Office travel data. If data indicates long-term absence, the individual is contacted using the email and phone number on their UKVI account and given the opportunity to provide evidence of UK residence or explain absences.

Removal is not automatic. The Home Office must consider whether removal would be proportionate, taking into account personal and family ties to the UK, the reasons for absences, age, health and vulnerability. Any decision to remove pre-settled status must be explained in writing and carries a right of appeal. The Independent Monitoring Authority for Citizens' Rights Agreements (IMA) has confirmed that removal in these circumstances is lawful, subject to these proportionality safeguards.

How to apply manually for settled status

1. Go to gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families and sign in to your UKVI account
2. Select "Apply for settled status"
3. Confirm your identity using the EU Exit: ID Document Check app (Android/iOS) or the online identity verification service
4. The Home Office checks HMRC and DWP records automatically — for most people with sufficient records, no additional evidence is needed
5. Receive decision by email — most straightforward cases are decided within days
6. Your UKVI account is updated and you can generate a share code to prove your settled status

The application is completely free. There is no fee to apply for settled status manually.

Frequently asked questions

I meet the 30-in-60 test — will I be converted automatically?

Possibly, but not necessarily soon. The system processes people as their pre-settled status approaches expiry. If your status has years remaining, you may wait a long time for automatic assessment. Apply manually — it is free and you get settled status on your own timeline.

My pre-settled status lapsed previously due to absences — does the new test help me?

Potentially yes. People whose leave previously lapsed because of absences over 6 months in a 12-month period may now qualify under the 30-in-60 test if they have sufficient overall presence. Consider asking an immigration specialist to assess your position.

I received an email saying my pre-settled status may be removed — what do I do?

Respond promptly. Gather all evidence of your UK presence during the relevant period: HMRC tax records, payslips, bank statements, utility bills, tenancy agreements, GP registrations, school records, or any other evidence of UK residence. Seek specialist immigration advice immediately — the deadline for responding will be stated in the Home Office letter.

Does the proposed 10-year settlement rule affect EUSS holders?

No. The Home Office confirmed that EUSS holders are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement. The proposed 10-year qualifying period for earned settlement does not apply to them. EUSS holders' rights remain governed by the Citizens' Rights Agreements, not the points-based immigration system.

How do I know if I hold settled or pre-settled status?

Sign in to your UKVI account at gov.uk and view your eVisa. Your status is shown clearly. You can also generate a share code to confirm your status to an employer, landlord or service provider.