TL;DR: The statement of changes for HC 1691 lists Appendix EU paragraphs APP EU1 to APP EU5 as taking effect on 29 April 2026. The explanatory memorandum summarises three headline EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) rule adjustments: a new suitability refusal ground aligned to existing curtailment concepts where fraud assistance is more likely than not; a simplification of provisions allowing further applications while holding pre-settled status; and an extension (from 18 to 60 months) of the period in which some non-EEA applicants may rely on an expired biometric residence card as identity evidence where permitted.
The memorandum frames the suitability measure as tackling abuse where EEA citizens sponsor applications by people falsely claiming eligible family membership.
Appendix EU (Family Permit) changes on a different commencement date
HC 1691 also amends Appendix EU (Family Permit). In the implementation section, APP EU(FP)1 to APP EU(FP)3 are listed among changes taking effect on 8 April 2026 (with transitional wording for applications made before that date). Those provisions are summarised in the memorandum as additional validity evidence requirements so that out-of-scope applications can be rejected earlier in the process.
Readers should treat Appendix EU and Appendix EU (Family Permit) as separate commencement tracks within the same instrument.
Official source
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1619-5-march-2026