More than 6 million European citizens applied for the EU Settlement Scheme before the deadline passed on 30th June according to figures released by the Home Office.
The data released on Friday 2nd July shows that there were 6.02 million applications made to the scheme by the 30th June with 5.1 million grants of either pre-settled or settled status so far.
There have been more than 5.3 million applications from England, 291,200 from Scotland, 98,600 from Wales, and 98,400 from Northern Ireland.
As the deadline approached there was a surge of applications with more than 400,000 in June alone, this has led to a backlog with over 500,000 applications still pending.
The Government has quickly reassured applicants that they will have their rights protected until their application is decided, as set out by law, and they have been provided with the means to prove their protected rights if required.
People who applied by the deadline receive a Certificate of Application, which they can use if they need to prove their immigration status for any reason, such as taking up a new job or renting a new property.
Anyone eligible who has not made an application yet will be issued with a 28-day notice to apply by Immigration Enforcement, this will give them a further opportunity to apply and will give access to all of the support available to do so.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “When we left the EU we promised to protect the rights of EU citizens who have made their life in the UK, and developed the hugely successful EU Settlement Scheme to ensure they could call the UK home in the years to come.
“Having more than 6 million applications to the scheme is an unprecedented achievement and I am delighted that we have secured the rights of so many EU citizens – our friends, neighbours and family members.”
Here at Knightsbridge Solicitors, we are passionate about giving you and your family the best possible opportunities in the UK.
Contact our experienced immigration team today on 0115 824 1700.