FAQ

I am an EU student with pre-settled status who was forced to study from my home country due to the pandemic. I was out of the UK for less than 6 months due to COVID-19 but if I add my previous absences, I break my continuous residence. Will I be able to apply for settled status?

There have been various changes to the absence rules over time. In December 2020 the Government made some concessions related to COVID-related absences. In July 2025, absence rules were slightly simplified. For details of these changes, see our FAQ: What does ‘continuous residence’ or ‘continuity of residence’ mean?