Pre-settled status is the five-year limited leave granted under the EU Settlement Scheme to people who had not yet lived in the UK for five years when they applied. It is the step before settled status.

Who still gets it

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and can show reasonable grounds for applying after the 2021 deadline.
Family members joining a sponsor who holds status under the scheme, including partners whose relationship began before the end of 2020 and children born since.
People whose earlier application was refused or who hold status that was wrongly cancelled, in some circumstances.

Extension and conversion

Pre-settled status no longer simply expires. It is extended automatically by five years before the end date, and the Home Office may convert it to settled status automatically when its records show five years' residence. If you have not been converted by the time you qualify, apply for settled status yourself.

Keeping it

Pre-settled status is lost after two years' continuous absence from the UK, and the five-year clock towards settled status is broken by absences of more than six months in any 12-month period (with the exceptions the scheme allows). If you have been away, check before you travel again.

Rights while you hold it

You can live, work and study in the UK and use the NHS. Access to some benefits is restricted for pre-settled status holders; the rules are detailed and have been the subject of court decisions, so take advice before relying on them.