From 4 June 2020, the EU Settlement Scheme has been amended so that if a family member’s relationship with an EU citizen breaks down permanently as a result of domestic violence they can continue to qualify for immigration status under the EU Settlement Scheme. The changes mean that a wider group of non-EU nationals who are current or former ‘family members’ of EU citizens will be eligible to apply under the scheme.
‘Family members’ are strictly defined as:
spouse or civil partner
children or grandchildren who are aged under 21
dependent children or grandchildren who are 21 or over
dependent parents or grandparents
unmarried partner (also known as ‘durable partner)*
other dependent relatives*
*unmarried partners & other dependent relatives are only considered ‘family members’ under the EU Settlement Scheme if they have/ had an EU residence document issued by Home Office.
Specialist legal assistance for victim of domestic violence
Applications under the new domestic violence protections of the EU Settlement Scheme are sufficiently complex to require legal assistance at OISC Level 2 or above.
Rights of Women can provide free legal advice on these cases via our EU Settlement Scheme advice line which is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm on telephone number 020 7118 0267.
