Apply for Settled Status under the EUSS Based on Historic Residence

This article explains how historic residence in the UK can still lead to Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, even where the qualifying period was years before Brexit. It explores the interaction between EU free movement law, the Withdrawal Agreement and Appendix EU, and explains when late applications may still succeed. Practical case studies illustrate how preserved permanent residence can be recognised despite long absences or previous immigration advice to the contrary.

Section 55 Best Interests of the Child: A Practical Guide for UK Immigration Cases

Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 imposes a mandatory duty on public authorities, including the Home Office, to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the UK when exercising immigration, asylum or nationality functions. If the Home Office fails to consider the child’s best interests in their decisions, the decision risks being unlawful.  

Part Suitability Replaces “General Grounds for Refusal”: What Applicants Need To Know (Effective 11 November 2025)

From 11 November 2025, the Home Office has replaced the long-standing “General Grounds for Refusal” with a new framework called Part Suitability. The core principle is unchanged: applications can be refused, or existing permission cancelled if the applicant fails the suitability rules. The important practical change is that Part Suitability now applies across almost all routes, including human-rights based categories such as Appendix FM, Appendix Private Life, Appendix Adult Dependent Relative and Appendix Settlement Family Life. Where a refusal under Part Suitability would breach the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the route-specific rules set out the approach to be taken, but the starting point is that the Part applies to decisions taken on or after 11 November 2025.