Unless you didn’t know, Britain will formally leave the European Union tomorrow, 31 January 2020 at 23:00. For the better or worse, on the morrow of the event, most people won’t notice a difference. Brexited, Britain will carry on. And from the first morning of February, the country will enter the next period of transition now scheduled for 11 months. This will be a period of intensive negotiations during which the future of UK-EU relations will be shaped.
To the point of immigration requirements: EU citizens and their family members will need confirmation of their immigration status. An application for this is to be made under the EU Settlement Scheme. Over 2.5 million people have already applied. For everyone else, the deadline is 30 June 2021. Do not ignore it – failure to apply will make you an illegal immigrant.
Residence documents issued under the EEA Regulations will no longer be valid from 31 December 2020. Yet, we strongly recommend that you keep them safe!!! Depending on how Brexit sticks fall, those harmless blue cards certifying your permanent right of residence may become the only proof of your entitlement to British citizenship in the next few years.
Irish citizens do not have to apply under the Settlement scheme. As long as Good Friday agreement stands, you can apply for British citizenship after five years of residence. Or after three years, if you are married to a British citizen.
If you need help – just ask!
