THE deadline for EU nationals to register for settled status has nearly arrived.

Settled status allows EU citizens to live in the UK and enjoy all the legal rights of people born in the country.

This includes renting a home, working and claiming a pension.

The deadline to apply for settled status is June 30, next Wednesday, and there have been warnings that EU citizens who do not apply might be left in a state of limbo after that date if they do not.

Applications can be completed online at gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status

To apply, you need an identity document - your passport, national identity card, biometric residence card or permit; a digital photo - you can take a selfie during the application; your National Insurance number or proof of how long you've lived in the UK; a mobile phone number; an email address; proof of your relationship if you're applying for a child or another family member.

Anyone applying for settled status needs to have lived in the UK for a continuous five-year period; those who have not can apply for pre-settled status if they have been the country since before December 31.

Approximately 320,000 people are awaiting a decision about their applications, according to the latest statistics.

A group of academics called the UK in a Changing Europe has warned that if applicants cannot demonstrate they have a ‘right to reside’, they will 'lose their rights immediately, even if their application is valid'.