Immigration and visas in the UK - support in Polish

• Living in the UK before 31 December 2020 - your right to stay rests on the EU Settlement Scheme (settled or pre-settled status).
• Arrived later - you need a visa or other permission, for example Skilled Worker, Student or a family route.
• Family of a UK citizen or EUSS holder - the route depends on when the relationship began and what documents you hold.

The deadline for a first EUSS application passed on 30 June 2021, but late applications are accepted where there are reasonable grounds. EUSS status is digital: you prove it with a share code from gov.uk, so keep your UKVI account details and passport up to date.

Pre-settled status lasts five years; you must apply for settled status after five years of continuous residence or it may expire. Check the expiry date in your UKVI account - in many cases the Home Office extended it automatically by two years. Absences of more than six months in any 12 months can break continuity, with exceptions (for example pregnancy, serious illness, study or posting abroad). Settled status lapses after five years outside the UK and pre-settled status after two.

For a partner of a British citizen or a person settled in the UK, the Home Office checks the genuineness of the relationship, a minimum income or savings requirement (the threshold is changed from time to time, so always check the current figure on gov.uk), suitable accommodation, English language ability and fees including the Immigration Health Surcharge. Refusals more often result from document errors - wrong evidence of income, inconsistent dates, missing translations - than from a failure to qualify.

Time limits to challenge a decision are very short, counted in days. Read the reasons carefully, check which remedies exist (administrative review or appeal to the First-tier Tribunal), keep all papers and avoid leaving the UK or reapplying before you understand the consequences. British citizenship by naturalisation is normally available after five years of residence, including at least 12 months after settled status, plus the Life in the UK test, English language and good character requirements; rules change, so we check the current position first.

Immigration advice in the UK is regulated. We help you understand the process in Polish or English, check and organise documents and prepare evidence lists. Where UK law requires a regulated immigration adviser or solicitor for your matter, we tell you at the outset and help you find one.