To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average time to process an application to the EU Settlement Scheme is.

The following link lists the expected processing times for EU Settlement Scheme applications, based on current performance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-settlement-scheme-application-processing-times/eu-settlement-scheme-pilot-current-expected-processing-times-for-applications.

Our aim is to process all applications to the Scheme as expeditiously as possible. The majority of applications are concluded within 5 working days. However, it is likely to take longer in the following instances:

• Further information is required from an applicant;
• If the applicant is applying as a minor and or the application is not linked to an adult;
• If the applicant has submitted a paper application;
• If the applicant has a relevant criminal record;
• If the applicant is a non-EEA or non-Swiss citizen and are applying based on a relationship not relied on in a previous application to the Home Office.

Overall, the total number of applications that have been concluded, as of 30 September 2019, was more than 1.5 million (1,524,500). Of these, 61% were granted settled status, 38% were granted pre-settled status.