The UK government has introduced a major change to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS): automatic switching from pre-settled status to settled status for eligible applicants.
This new system aims to protect the rights of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens living in the UK and to prevent people from accidentally losing their status simply because they forgot or did not realise they needed to apply again after five years.
While the government’s automatic checks will benefit many, it also raises an important question:
Should you wait for the Home Office to upgrade your status, or should you apply manually?
Below is a breakdown of how the automatic process works, and the risks of relying on it.
What Is Automatic Switching?
Under the updated EUSS rules, the Home Office now uses government-held data — such as HMRC tax records — to confirm whether someone with pre-settled status has completed five years of continuous residence in the UK.
If the evidence confirms eligibility, the Home Office can automatically grant settled status, without requiring the applicant to submit a new application.
People whose pre-settled status is nearing expiry also receive an automatic 5-year extension, ensuring their digital immigration status remains valid while the automated checks take place.
This is intended to simplify the process, increase certainty, and reduce the number of people unintentionally falling out of lawful residence.
Should You Wait for the Automatic Upgrade?
Automatic switching is designed to help, but waiting is not risk-free. Whether you should rely on it depends on your personal situation.
Here are the key considerations.
Pros of Waiting for Automatic Switching
1. No Application Needed
If everything goes smoothly, you won’t need to gather documents, fill out forms, or go through another application process.
2. Reduced Risk of Missing a Deadline
Your pre-settled status is automatically extended, so there is no danger that it will suddenly expire while you wait.
3. Useful for People With Strong Tax/Benefits Records
If you’ve been working continuously and paying tax, the automatic system may easily confirm your residence.
Cons of Waiting (And Why Many Should Still Apply Manually)
While waiting sounds convenient, relying solely on the automatic system carries several risks:
1. The Home Office Might Not Have Enough Data About You
Not everyone leaves an HMRC or DWP “digital footprint”.
This includes people who:
- had long periods without formal employment
- were self-employed with irregular reporting
- were students
- did unpaid work or caregiving
- lived off savings
- temporarily left the UK
- earned below the tax threshold
If the Home Office cannot confirm residence automatically, they won’t grant settled status — even if you are eligible.
Waiting in this case only causes delays.
2. Mistakes in Government Data Can Block the Upgrade
Automatic checks rely entirely on government databases, which can contain:
- incorrect dates
- missing records
- mismatched names
- outdated information
If the system doesn’t find what it expects, you won’t be upgraded.
Applying manually lets you provide your own evidence instead of relying on the accuracy of government systems.
3. You May Need Settled Status for Other Purposes Sooner
Settled status gives more benefits than pre-settled status, including:
- No limits on absence from the UK
- Stronger protection against future rule changes
- Eligibility for certain benefits
- Eligibility to apply for British citizenship
If you want to apply for citizenship, you must have 12 months of settled status (unless married to a UK citizen).
Waiting may delay your timeline significantly.
4. Automatic Upgrades Happen Close to the Expiry Date
The Home Office only begins automated checks near your pre-settled status expiry. If you need settled status earlier, automatic switching will be too slow.
5. Not Everyone Will Be Automatically Considered
People with potential:
- residence gaps
- periods spent abroad
- unresolved criminality issues
- inconsistencies in their digital status
…may fall outside the automated process or face delays.
If you know your case has complications, manual application is safer.
So, Should You Wait or Apply Yourself?
Here’s a simple rule-of-thumb:
Apply manually if:
- You need settled status soon (e.g., for citizenship).
- You think the Home Office may not have complete data about your UK residence.
- You have had low or no earnings.
- You have gaps in work history.
- You spent time abroad.
- You prefer to control the process and provide your own documents.
Waiting may be fine if:
- You have stable, long-term, well-recorded UK employment or benefits history.
- You are not in a rush to upgrade.
- You understand that your pre-settled status will be extended and don’t mind waiting until closer to the expiry date.
Final Recommendation
While the new automatic switching system is a positive development, it should not replace taking control of your own immigration status.
If you are eligible for settled status, the safest option — and the one with the fewest uncertainties — is to apply manually.
Waiting for the automatic upgrade may work for some, but it relies on government data being accurate and complete, and delays can affect your long-term rights.
