From presettle to settled app under surinder singh application form issue

[yungbuk]

Hello everyone,

I'm seeking advice on a very frustrating situation I've encountered with my mum's application for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, specifically under the Surinder Singh route. Here's the background:

My mum entered the UK on 22nd January 2020 and was granted pre-settled status under the Surinder Singh route on 24th December 2020, valid until 24th December 2025. Previously for the pre settle status application, I applied on her behalf using the personalised form 'EUSS (BC) - Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme as a family member of a qualifying British citizen'.

Then after my mum became eligible for settled status, I applied for settled status online after confirming through multiple calls to the EU resolution centre and consultation with a solicitor that this was the correct process for a family member of a qualifying British citizen. Despite following this advice, my application was recently rejected with the following explanation:

The required application process for someone applying as a ‘family member of a qualifying British citizen’ is to use the appropriate paper form. Your application was made online. You have not used the required application process.

When I contacted the EU resolution centre, I was informed that the Surinder Singh route is now closed and she should apply using the Lounes route. However, this advice contradicts the guidance I received earlier, and they could not provide the correct form for applying under the Surinder Singh route for settled status.

Has anyone else faced a similar situation or received conflicting advice regarding the Surinder Singh route and the application process for settled status? Any insights, advice, or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. I'm particularly interested in understanding if others have successfully navigated this process recently.

Apologies, if this has been asked previously as I couldn't find answer to my specific situation.

Thanks all.

[singh2023]

This is a simple process by applying with paper form only.

Call EUSS helpline and tell them that I must apply settle status with paper application.

Someone sane will check whether your pre-settle status was under “qualifying British citizen” - which they will not find because the system won’t show the contact centre.

So just adamant to request paper application - better to request application via email - should receive in 2-3 working days. Extremely simple form to fill (unless relationship has ended and you have to apply under “retained of rights thing”.

Anyway, how I know this because I have done for a known person received paper form - filled in easily with required docs and sent to EUSS paper forms address as stated on the application.

So call back to EUSS - say unable to apply settle status under surunder Singh route online. Please provide paper form - they will check with details to confirm that you already have pre-settle status. They will take request for paper application. That’s all. Tada all done. Good luck!