- The UK removed Appendix AR (EU) on October 8, 2026, after closing the route to new applications in April 2024.
- Eligible applicants may appeal, usually within 14 or 28 days, depending on whether they are in or outside the UK.
- Other changes cover pre-settled status, family-member deadlines, passport updates, and evidence rules starting December 9, 2026.
The UK removed its EU Settlement Scheme administrative-review rules on 8 October 2026, formally ending a route that had already stopped accepting new cases. The change took effect through the Statement of Changes HC 584.
The removed provisions, known as Appendix AR (EU), governed administrative reviews of decisions under the settlement scheme. The rule change clears provisions whose remaining cases had been concluded.
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The Home Office closed the route to new administrative-review applications in April 2024. The October removal does not introduce a new refusal standard or alter eligibility for the scheme by itself.
The rules covered adverse decisions involving the scheme, set out in Appendix EU, and relevant family-member applications under Appendix EU (Family Permit). Applicants and people already holding status may be affected if they receive a refusal, cancellation or limited grant.
Applicants must identify any appeal right without delay
Administrative review is no longer available for new settlement-scheme decisions. The route left applicants with other possible remedies, depending on the decision and their circumstances.
An eligible person may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal under the Immigration (Citizens’ Rights Appeals) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. The usual deadline is 14 days for someone in the UK and 28 days for someone outside the UK.
A fresh EUSS application may be possible where the eligibility rules allow it. Additional evidence or a qualifying change in circumstances may support a new application.
Judicial review may be an option where no statutory appeal is available and the decision may involve a legal or public-law error. The available route depends on the particular decision.
Someone receiving a refusal, cancellation or unexpectedly limited grant should establish immediately whether an appeal is available and calculate the deadline. Waiting for an administrative review is no longer an option.
HC 584 also changes family and travel arrangements
The changes taking effect on 8 October 2026 also revise other parts of the settlement scheme:
- Pre-settled status may be retained where removal would be disproportionate, reflecting Ayoola v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2025] EWCA Civ 1519.
- Certain joining family members now have three months from their latest lawful entry to the UK to meet the relevant deadline.
- The travel-permit route is replaced by an “Update My Details” process that links status to a new passport.
A separate evidence change begins later. From 9 December 2026, specified expired biometric residence permits can no longer serve as identity and nationality evidence.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney about your specific case.
