No Scrapbooks: evidence of residence in the EU Settlement Scheme

Cover image for No Scrapbooks: evidence of residence in the EU Settlement Scheme

With the launch of the new public beta (trial) phase of the EU Settlement Scheme, the Home Office has updated its guidance on what evidence EU nationals need to provide in the application process. Of course, the idea is that the government will seek to verify residence automatically by checking tax and benefits records with other government agencies.

Evidence where automated checks not possible

Where an automated check has not provided the required information, additional information can be provided. In relation to this additional evidence, the guidance confirms that:

  • You will not need to provide evidence for your entire UK residence – just enough to show whether you qualify for settled or pre-settled status. You should only need to provide one document dated in the last six months to be granted pre-settled status.
  • All the documents you submit as evidence must be dated and have your name on them.
  • You should only provide 1 piece of evidence to cover each month or longer period of time.
  • You can upload a maximum of 10 documents to show evidence of UK residence. Each document must be no more than 6MB in size. We will contact you if we need further information.
  • Use documents that cover longer periods of time if you can, such as annual bank statements, council tax bills or university letters and certificates. This means you won’t need to submit as many documents.
  • A document with a single date on will count as proof of residence for that month only, for example a monthly electricity bill, an official letter or a GP appointment card. The lists of evidence below are not exhaustive. We may consider other forms of evidence on a case-by-case basis.

No Scrapbooks

The guidance also provides information on what evidence is not acceptable. This includes:

  • photos and videos
  • letters or references from family and friends
  • greeting cards, for example birthday cards
  • postcards sent or received
  • personal scrapbooks

So don't try and send those.

Evidence covering long periods vs short periods

The guidance goes on to distinguish between evidence that can prove residence for a long period between two dates, and a shorter period (up to a month) and lists evidence that should be acceptable in either context.

The full guidance is available here.

Main image credit: Photo at EWL