Overview

The Windrush Scheme is a special program in the UK that helps people who came from Commonwealth countries to prove that they have the right to live and work in the UK. If you don’t have any documents to show this, you might be able to get help through this scheme.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply to the Windrush Scheme if one of the following is true:

  1. You arrived from a Commonwealth country before 1973.
    • This means you came to the UK to live before January 1, 1973.
  2. You are the child of a Commonwealth citizen who arrived before 1973.
    • If your parent came to the UK from a Commonwealth country before January 1, 1973, you can apply.
  3. You arrived from any country before December 31, 1988, and are now settled in the UK.
    • If you got to the UK before the end of 1988 and you live here now, you may qualify.

How to Apply

  • It’s Free!Applying for the Windrush Scheme doesn’t cost any money. You can apply online or by post.
  • What You Get:When you apply, you’ll receive proof of your right to stay in the UK. This proof might be:
    • A letter confirming your status.
    • Access to an online record called an eVisa, which is a digital confirmation of your right to live in the UK.

Applying for Citizenship

If you are a Commonwealth citizen who settled in the UK before January 1, 1973, or if you are the child of someone who did, you can also apply for British citizenship for free.

Compensation for Losses

If you have faced problems because you didn’t have proof of your right to live in the UK, you might be able to get compensation. This means you could get money for the troubles you faced, like:

  • Not being able to work.
  • Difficulty finding a place to live.
  • Trouble getting health treatment.
  • Facing immigration actions, like being detained or removed from the UK.

How to Get Help

If you need more information or assistance, there’s a Windrush Helpline you can call. They can help answer your questions and guide you through the application process.

Summary

The Windrush Scheme is here to help people who have been living in the UK for a long time but don’t have the papers to prove it. If you think you might be eligible, don’t hesitate to apply! Remember, it’s free, and you could also get help if you have experienced any problems because of not having proof.

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