The landscape of UK immigration law continues to shift, with the latest Statement of Changes HC 836 bringing significant updates effective from 16 July 2025. Here’s what applicants and their families need to know about these new developments, particularly for EU Settlement Scheme applicants, children and young people, and those applying under long residence routes.
- EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), New “30 in 60” Rule
A major update for EU nationals and their families is the introduction of the “30 in 60” rule. Applicants can now qualify for settled status if they have spent at least 30 months in the UK during the past 60 months (five years). This replaces the previous, stricter six-month absence rule. The change applies to both automatic and manual grants of settled status, offering more flexibility for those whose circumstances required time outside the UK.
- Appendix Private Life, Children and Young People
The Home Office has announced significant improvements for children and young people on the Private Life route:
- Half-life test applied retroactively – those who met the half-life residence test before 20 June 2022 can now benefit from the route to settlement, even if their qualifying period was completed before that date.
- Settlement after 5 years for children – children who entered the family route after 7 years’ residence in the UK (and did so before 20 June 2022) can now settle after 5 years, rather than 10.
- Continuous residence for UK born children – there is now a clear definition of continuous residence for UK born children, ensuring their treatment aligns with children born abroad. This introduces fairer, more consistent criteria for families.
- Long Residence and Continuous Residence
Important clarifications have been made for applicants relying on long residence:
- Crown Dependencies included – time spent living in Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man on an equivalent immigration route now counts as lawful residence for long residence applications.
- Gaps in lawful residence clarified – the new rules more clearly define and codify how breaks in lawful residence, particularly those caused by lack of lawful leave, are treated. This provides greater transparency and certainty for applicants.
What Do These Changes Mean for Applicants?
The new rules bring both welcome flexibility and important clarifications, particularly for children, families, and those with complex residence histories. If you think these changes may impact your eligibility for settled status, private life settlement, or long residence applications, it is important to review your status and seek professional advice where necessary.
At Seddons GSC, we continue to monitor changes in immigration law closely. Our team is ready to assist you in navigating the updated rules and protecting your rights in the UK.
For advice tailored to your circumstances, please contact,
Soma Barzinji, Senior Associate
Email, [email protected]
Tel, +44 (0) 20 7725 8000
Note, this summary reflects the latest published Home Office rules as of July 2025 and is intended for general guidance only.