A CHECKING service is being offered for residents who are required to go through the Home Office EU settlement scheme.

The EU Settlement Scheme allows European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss citizens to continue to live, work and study in the UK without any immigration time restrictions should the UK leave the European Union.

This will mean you can continue living in the UK after December 31, 2020 and you will have until June 30, 2021 to apply for either settled or pre-settled status.

Under the checking service, the Isle of Wight Council’s registrar team will be supporting EU, EEA and Swiss citizens complete the digital identity verification part of the process.

Registration services manager, Janice Lord, said: “Although identity can be verified by applicants directly through a Home Office app if you have an android device, if you do not have an android device, we can assist you in confirming your identity as part of the application process.

“If you attend an appointment with us and we have verified your identity you can then complete the online application at home.

"There is no time limit as to when you should do this ­— if you need help to do this, you can contact the home office helpdesk on 03333 445 675.

"Unfortunately, we are not authorised by the Home Office to assist you beyond verifying your identity.”

There will be no change to current rights under EU law until the end of the planned implementation period on December 31, 2020.

For more information, and to find out who is required to apply for pre-settled or settled status, go to

https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

.