FAQ

How long can I be outside the UK with (pre-) settled status and not lose my status, or the opportunity to apply for settled status?

Until 21 May 2024, it was the case that pre-settled status was lost automatically if you left the UK for a period of 2 consecutive years, whereas with settled status you can be away for 5 years (or four years for Swiss citizens and their family members). (See also this FAQ on settled status 5-year absences).

There was a change in the legislation such that from 21 May 2024, pre-settled status holders can now also be absent for five years (or four for Swiss citizens and their family members) before their status is deemed to have lapsed automatically. 

In July 2025, the Home Office made some changes to the definition of continuous residence, to make them slightly more flexible. For more details, see our FAQ: What does ‘continuous residence’ or ‘continuity of residence’ mean?

In April 2026, the Home Office finally clarified that even pre-settled status holders whose leave would have been considered to have lapsed after a two year absence, can benefit from the more flexible continuous residence rules if they now have sufficient residence evidence: "The rules for continuous residence have been simplified so a pre-settled status holder can be granted settled status if they have been resident in the UK for at least 30 months in total in the most recent 60-month period, including those whose leave was previously considered to have lapsed."