When people think about late applications to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), they often assume that missing the deadline was a personal choice. In reality, most of the people we support had little or no control over what happened, or faced circumstances that meant they did not realise they needed to apply, believed they already had, or were simply unable to do so.
As part of our impact stories series, this time we bring you the story of two young Polish sisters who came to Citizens Rights Project almost five years after the deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme had passed. The case also illustrates the importance of our long-standing partnership with Settled, which enables people with more complex immigration matters to access specialist legal support.
At the time the deadline expired, the sisters were still minors. They were living in Scotland with their maternal aunt, who had taken responsibility for their care after their mother became unable to look after them due to serious mental health difficulties and substance misuse issues. Alongside raising her own children, their aunt was providing them with a safe and stable home.
Like many young people, the sisters had depended on the adults around them to secure their immigration status. Because of their family circumstances, this had not happened.
A complex EU Settlement Scheme case
The case involved far more than submitting two late applications. The sisters’ circumstances were complicated by previous applications, inconsistent information and missing documentation. One birth certificate could not be obtained because their mother refused to provide it, despite repeated requests. In addition, one of the sisters had previously been the subject of applications made without the knowledge or involvement of the aunt who was caring for her.
It was important that the Home Office understood the sisters’ actual circumstances and that the late applications were considered in the context of their age, vulnerability and care arrangements.
Working in partnership
Through this partnership, the case was referred to Settled’s Level 2 advisers, while Citizens Rights Project continued supporting the family and coordinating the evidence required for the applications.
Together, we prepared detailed representations explaining why the applications had been submitted late and asked the Home Office to take a child-centred and flexible approach, recognising that the delay had been entirely outside the sisters’ control.
We also gathered evidence confirming their residence in Scotland, their education, and the care arrangements put in place by their aunt, demonstrating that she was responsible for their day-to-day welfare.
The outcome
Following urgent representations, both sisters were issued with Certificates of Application on the same day, allowing them to demonstrate that valid applications had been submitted while the Home Office considered their cases.
In June 2026, both sisters were granted Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
They are now continuing their education at college in Scotland with the security of knowing that their immigration status reflects the life they have built here.
The sisters’ aunt shared the following feedback about the support she received from Citizens Rights Project:
🇵🇱 “Pani Monika, która nam pomagała, szybko i sprawnie pomogła uzyskać status osoby osiedlonej. Bardzo miła i znająca się na swojej pracy.”
🇬🇧 “Monika, who supported us, helped us obtain Settled Status quickly and efficiently. She was very kind, professional, and knowledgeable.”
Why this matters
This case is a reminder that many late applications are not the result of people ignoring the rules. They often reflect complex family situations, vulnerability or circumstances beyond an individual’s control.
It also highlights the importance of partnership working. By combining Citizens Rights Project’s trusted relationships within communities with Settled’s higher-level immigration expertise, we are able to support people through some of the most complex cases while ensuring they receive the specialist advice they need.
As demand for our services continues to grow, so does the need for sustainable funding.
If you would like to help us continue supporting people facing situations like this, please consider supporting our crowdfunder.
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