Updates are encouraged but not mandatory
Credit: Isabel Infantes/EMPICS Entertainment
EU citizens that have been granted settled status are encouraged to update their details when they are granted a new passport – but will still be able to digitally demonstrate their status using the document with which they originally applied.
The application process for the EU settlement scheme was largely conducted via an app that used smartphones’ near-field communication technology to scan the chips in applicants’ passports. Those unable to use the application – which, for a long time, included anyone who could only access an iPhone – were able to send their passports off for processing, or book an appointment at various centres around the country where they could be scanned.
To provide evidence of their status, users can enter their passport number and date of birth and then a one-off code will be sent to email address or phone. This code can then be entered – by the user or by, for example, a potential employer or public-services provider – to demonstrate that settled status has been granted.
Once the passport that was used to apply for status has expired, users are encouraged to update their details and provide information on their new passport.
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But those that do not have a replacement document, or have difficulty changing their details, will still be able to prove their status by using the details or the passport with which they originally applied, according to immigration minister Kevin Foster.
“We advise applicants to use the online Update Your Details service to update their passport information whenever it changes,” he said. “When an update is made, the applicant will then use their new passport number to access their digital status. Updating document details is advised, but not mandatory. Applicants can continue to log into their status using the document number they applied with.”
According to Foster, when EU citizens are granted settled status, the government provides information on how they can keep their information up to date.
“Holders of EU Settlement Scheme status are issued with a letter from the Home Office which provides clear instructions as to how and when individuals can update their details using the online service,” he said.
The minister was answering a written parliamentary question from Scottish National Party MP for Glenrothes Peter Grant.
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