Statistics released today (Thursday 12 August) shows a further 144,100 applications were concluded in July. By 31 July 2021, 6,073,600 applications were received to the hugely successful scheme, with 58,200 applications received in the last month.
Preliminary nationality data shows the number of applications made by Polish and Romanian nationals before the 30 June deadline both topped one million while applications from Italian nationals hit more than 545,000.
The Home Office is continuing to encourage those who are eligible to make a late application to the EU Settlement Scheme. Last week the Home Office announced those who make a late application will be granted temporary protection until their application is concluded.
Minister for Future Borders and Immigration Kevin Foster said:
I'm delighted thousands more EU citizens have had their status secured through our hugely successful EU Settlement Scheme and we continue to work as quickly as possible to conclude all applications received.
EU citizens in the UK can still make a late application to secure their rights and join the millions who have already been granted status under the EUSS.
Following a surge in applications ahead of the 30 June deadline, the government has taken steps to conclude applications as quickly as possible.
The Home Office has increased the number of caseworkers and Settlement Resolution Centre agents to help conclude applications and respond to queries as quickly as possible. Most non-complex applications are still being decided within five working days.
Late applications can still be made where there are reasonable grounds for missing the deadline. The Home Office will take a flexible and pragmatic approach when considering late applications and will continue to look for reasons to grant status rather than refuse.
The Home Office continues to reach out to and support those who may be eligible to apply. This includes:
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providing up to £22 million in grant funding to a network of 72 organisations across the UK to help the most vulnerable and hard to reach applicants secure their rights
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assisted digital support for those who are not confident with the online application process or do not have the technology to apply online
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the Home Office is also working with the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs to reach out to people who may not realise that they need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
