York is the one of only four North East areas taking part in the scheme; the other three are Stockton on Tees, Newcastle and Hull.

The EU Settlement Scheme is a Home Office initiative which allows EU citizens living in the UK to apply to the scheme if they wish to continue living in the UK past 30 June 2021.

The second phase of the EU Settlement Scheme tests the application process ready for when the scheme opens fully to the public by 30 March 2019.

EU Citizens can choose whether to send their details to the Home Office, use an android app, or make an appointment at York Register Office for a cost of £14, to verify their identification.

The appointments are ideal for residents whose mobile phone or other device doesn’t have near field communication (NFC) and the resident is eligible to apply for settled status during the pilot phase.

Appointments can be made at York Registration Service, York Register Office, 56 Bootham, York, YO30 7DA, for Mondays and Tuesdays between 1pm – 4.30pm at a cost of £14 (including VAT).

Applicants must bring ID and be able to provide a valid phone number and email address. To make an appointment, call 01904 654477.

Businesses are able to bulk book appointments for large groups of employees or arrange for Register Office staff to visit their premises if more convenient.

For further details about making an appointment www.york.gov.uk/EUSettlementScheme or to find out if you’re eligible to apply, visit (Home office link)

Pauline Stuchfield, Assistant Director Customer and Digital Services, said: “This can be an unsettling time for some of our York residents and as a council, we want to ensure that applying for the EU Resettlement Scheme is straightforward and relatively stress-free.

“Residents from the EU who would like to settle here are welcome to contact the Register Office and arrange an appointment. We’re standing by to help.”