The Windrush Scheme is still open in 2026, it is free to apply, and it remains important for people who are settled in the UK but do not have evidence to prove it. Windrush Day on 22 June is a useful prompt to sort out status paperwork, especially if older relatives have lived in the UK for decades but still rely on incomplete records.
The scheme exists because many long-settled residents were lawfully entitled to live in the UK but were never given a document proving that right. That became a serious problem when employers, landlords, public bodies and others started asking for formal proof.
Who the scheme is for
The clearest group is Commonwealth citizens who were settled in the UK before 1 January 1973. Many were granted indefinite leave to remain by the Immigration Act 1971 but were not given a document confirming it. If they have no proof of settled status, the Windrush Scheme can help.
Children of eligible Commonwealth citizens can also qualify, but the rules are not automatic for every family member. The child must usually have been born in the UK or arrived before the age of 18 and have lived here continuously since birth or arrival.
The scheme also covers some people of any nationality who arrived in the UK before 31 December 1988 and are now settled here but cannot prove it.
A typical example is someone who arrived from Jamaica as a child in 1969, went to school here, worked here for decades, and then struggled to prove their right to work when a new employer asked for evidence.
| Who you are | Can the scheme help? | What you may receive |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth citizen settled in the UK before 1 January 1973 | Yes | Proof of status, right of abode evidence, or free citizenship route |
| Child of an eligible Commonwealth citizen | Yes, if the residence rules are met | Confirmation of citizenship, registration, naturalisation, or proof of status |
| Person of any nationality who arrived before 31 December 1988 and is settled | Yes | Proof of settled status or right of abode, depending on the facts |
| Eligible person now overseas | Potentially | Proof of right of abode or a Returning Resident route if requirements are met |
| Person who arrived after the relevant dates with no other basis | Usually no | Another immigration route may be needed |
What you actually receive
The proof depends on your circumstances. It may be a letter or access to an eVisa, which is the digital record now used to show immigration status.
If you are a Commonwealth citizen settled before 1 January 1973, or the child of someone who was, you may also be able to apply for British citizenship after settlement for free. Some people may already be British and simply need confirmation. Others may be considered for registration or naturalisation.
People treated as settled on 1 January 1973, and some people with the right of abode and strong UK ties, are generally treated as meeting the knowledge of English and Life in the UK requirements. They must still meet other requirements, including residence and the good character requirement.
You may still need to provide biometrics, but there is no application fee under the scheme. The official Windrush Scheme guidance on GOV.UK sets out the application routes. The scheme does not pay for a British passport, which is a separate application after citizenship is confirmed or granted.
Evidence and the citizenship side
Old paperwork is often patchy. The Windrush Help Team can search Home Office and other government records to help establish a person’s position. School records, employment history, National Insurance records, medical records, old passports and travel documents can also help.
Long absences abroad can complicate the picture, so our note on time spent outside the UK is worth reading before applying. Citizenship applications may also need referees. For some people relying on decades of residence rather than a single historic grant, ILR through long residence may be the better route.
It is also important to separate the Windrush Scheme from the Windrush Compensation Scheme. The Windrush Scheme proves status or helps with British citizenship. The compensation scheme is for losses caused by being unable to prove lawful status, such as lost work, housing problems, healthcare issues, detention or removal. In January 2026, the government said the compensation scheme had offered £128 million to 3,842 claimants, with more than 94% of cases concluded.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Windrush Scheme still open in 2026?
Yes. It remains open and there is no application fee.
Can children of the Windrush generation apply?
Yes, if they meet the rules. This usually means a parent was an eligible Commonwealth citizen and the child was born in the UK or arrived before 18 and lived here continuously.
Do you have to pass the Life in the UK test?
Often not, if you were settled on 1 January 1973 or fall within the relevant Windrush citizenship provisions. Other citizenship requirements can still apply.
Is this the same as Windrush compensation?
No. Proving status and claiming compensation are separate schemes with different criteria.
Speak to a specialist
If you think you or a family member qualifies, getting the evidence right matters. Our UK immigration lawyers can assess your history and handle the application, and our immigration solicitors in London are happy to talk it through. Call +44 (0)20 7799 1600 or request a consultation today.
