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She still can apply for pre-settled, and there would be no reason she couldn't get it if she has a national insurance number. I've been in the country only for 3 or 4 months and got pre-settled status within a day of applying.

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Pre-settled wouldn't be a guaranteed re-entry to the UK though would it? Or have I got that wrong? I was under the impression settled only would be valid for re-entry (which is the problem, as the deadline is in a month and it takes 5 years to get this status)

"Pre-settled" is essentially the same as "settled" status – the plan was that either of these would allow entry into the UK after December 2020, when free movement from the EEA was supposed to end.

There is currently no system in place to allow re-entry for people with either "settled" or "pre-settled" status (that's why this announcement is mad.) But your girlfriend should 100% absolutely as soon as possible make sure she has pre-settled status.

Pre-settled allows you to come in and out of the country as long as you don't leave for more than 6 months per 12 months period.

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