Should I apply for ETA with Pre-Settled Status?

[Kmk589]

I am a dual US/Italian citizen with pre-settled status. I never lived in the UK for more than 6months in every 12 months since applying in 2020, and now only visit the UK a few times a year to visit my husband's (British Citizen) family. I know I will eventually lose the pre-settled status and am fine with that as I can come back on a spousal visa if we ever decide to move back to the UK.

Do I apply for an ETA or not? My pre-settled status is still active so technically I am not required to get it but I'm afraid they will start checking/cancelling status at the border and I will be denied entry if I don't have it. There have to be many people in this situation and it's frustrating that the guidance is so unclear because I don't want to jeapordize my immigration history with the UK.

[seekingadvice87]

Hi,

The guidance is absolutely clear. Pre-settled and settled status are for people who live and wish to continue to live in the UK. If you don't live in the UK anymore, you're meant to update the HO of your change in circumstances.

Pre-settled/settled status is not for those who live outside the UK to use as a form of a visit visa which is why you lose it if you no longer live in the UK after a certain period has passed.

If you require an ETA or visa to the UK as a non-resident, non-British then it seems you already know what to do. Good luck.

[Ixeon659]

Your status might still be active in the system but the border officer might ask you if you live in the UK or just a visitor. If the find out you don't live in the UK for a long time, they might revoke your status. Better do ETA