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<p>To be eligible for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, applicants will
generally be required to demonstrate continuous residence in the UK for a minimum
of five years in one of the eligible categories. This reflects the continuous residence
criteria for the acquisition of ‘permanent residence’ under the Free Movement Directive,
and the approach agreed with the European Union in the draft Withdrawal Agreement.</p><p>Should
an applicant not be immediately eligible for settled status, and instead be granted
pre-settled status (five years’ limited leave to remain), they must continue to meet
these continuous residence criteria in order to qualify for settled status. This will
be made clear to them when they are granted pre-settled status.</p><p>Those granted
pre-settled status who are not eligible for settled status before the expiry of their
five years’ limited leave to remain, owing to excess absence(s) from the UK, will
have the option of applying for leave to remain under the new skills-based immigration
system.</p>
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