How can I switch from a Tier 4 Visa to EU Pre-Settled Status in the UK?

Question

I am currently resident in the UK on a Tier 4 Student Visa in a non-EU passport. I was recently granted simplified naturalisation in an EU country on the basis of my ancestry. Thus, I now hold dual nationality between an EU and non-EU country.

I would like to remain in the UK, and thus wish to switch from my current Tier 4 status (in my non-EU passport) to EU pre-settlement status (as an EU citizen).

I have failed to locate any relevant information on what needs to be done in order to accomplish this.

Do I need to inform the Home Office that I have acquired foreign EU citizenship and thus wish to cancel my current leave to remain via a Change of Circumstance Form? Or can I just go ahead and apply for Pre-Settled Status, and ask to cancel my student visa after this is granted (or will they automatically cancel it)?

Do I need to exit the UK and re-enter on my EU passport before doing this?

Answer 1

In theory the proper order of action for you is:

1. Fill out the Change of Status form (you are unlikely to get any acknowledgement that it was received so keep a copy for yourself and send it signed for)

2. Apply for pre-settled status (perhaps after you get notification that the form was signed for)

In practice the whole ordeal is a shambles and it might go wrong even though you do everything right. One thing not to do is assume that things link up at the Home Office. They do not.