EEA Family Permit
EEA Family Permit
Are you an EU National wishing for your Non-EU family member to join or remain with you in the UK?
I regularly advise and assist clients with successful EEA Family Permit applications.
Contact us to find out how my Award Winning Service can help you and your family member to settle in the UK.
Call Now on 020 3302 6864 for a FREE initial chat or fill out the form on this page for expert advice on your EEA Family Permit Application.
Don't Leave Anything to Chance with EEA Family Permit!
Overview
An EEA Family Permit is a form of Entry Clearance to the UK for Non-EU Nationals to join their EU Family member in the UK.
While not technically an ‘EEA Visa’, the Family Permit will allow non-EU nationals to enter the UK under EU law to join their European family members.
Whilst some other visa types may afford non-European family members of EEA nationals similar rights depending on eligibility, an EEA Permit can be applied for from outside of the UK, and is also often considered to be less difficult to obtain. This makes the Family Permit a more viable and practical option for most people who meet the eligibility criteria. Upon successful application, an EEA Family Permit will be issued to you and will usually remain valid for a period of six months. After this time, you can apply for an extension of up to 5 years (by way of Residence Card or Pre-Settled status). Following this, you will then be eligible to apply for Permanent Residence, shortly followed by British Citizenship.
I know that understanding EEA guidelines can be confusing, especially in the current political climate. As a fully accredited and regulated Immigration Solicitor, it is in my and my clients' interests that I stay up-to-date with current EEA legislation changes. I can work with you to understand your options, both now and after Brexit. I will work with you to design a plan for you and your family members, check your requirements according to the most recent laws and assist you with any applications you make. Contact Us now on 0203 302 6864
or complete the enquiry form to get expert EEA Family permit advice from a Top Immigration Solicitor.
The current Law for European Citizens already living in the UK, and those intending to come to the UK
If you are a European Economic Area (EEA) national, you automatically have the right to live, work and study in the UK.
Countries included in the EEA are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
* Note: Nationals of Switzerland, Bulgaria and Romania also have the same rights as EEA nationals.
With the new regulations, EU Nationals and their family members can continue to live, work and study in the UK if they can demonstrate that they have lived in the UK on or before the 30th of June 2021 (this will be 31st of December 2020 if the UK leaves the EU without a deal). For those who have yet to emigrate to the UK, therefore, it is advisable for them to make plans as soon as possible, and to be living in the UK by this date.
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First Stage: EEA Family Permit
If you are a Non EEA/EU Citizen, and you are not currently residing in the UK, but are a Family member of an EU Citizen who is currently residing in the UK, an EEA Family Permit is the first type of EEA/EU application you would need to apply for in order to enter the UK.
An EEA Family Permit is a form of entry clearance to the UK and is designed to make movement around the Member States easier for non-EEA family members.
EEA Family Permit holders are able to enter, live and work in the UK, on the basis of them being a dependent of a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA).
An EEA family permit is valid for 6 months. You can leave and enter the UK as many times as you need within that time. It is advisable to submit an application for the pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, however, in order to be able to legally remain in the UK. See below for more details.
Second Stage: Residence Card and Pre-Settled Status
Before the 31st of December 2020, or the 30th of June 2021 (more on the different dates, below), in order to remain in the UK, EU nationals and their family members must apply for pre-settled status, to confirm their immigration statuses in the UK. This is regardless of whether or not the EEA National and/or their family members already have a Residence Permit or a Residence Card.
The application is available for EU Nationals and/or their family members who will have lived in the UK for less than 5 years by the 31st of December 2020.
Deadline to Submit the Applications:
The deadline to submit the application for a pre-settled status document is either the 31st of December 2020 (if a No-Deal has been reached between the UK Government and the EU), OR the 30th of June 2021, if a deal is agreed.
How long is it valid until?: The Pre-Settled Status Document is valid for 5 years (the same as the previous The Residence Card/Registration Certificate).
Third Stage: Permanent Residency and Settled Status
Settled Status:
From the 30th of March 2019, all EEA Nationals and their family members can apply for settled status if they have lived continously in the UK for 5 years or more, on or before the 31st of December 2020, providing certain requirements are met.
The deadline to submit this application is either the 31st of December 2020 (if there is a No-Deal), or the 30th of June 2021, if there is a Deal agreed (see above for details).
Other EEA Applications
Retained Rights of Residence:
The current EEA regulations also provide for certain family members of EEA nationals to keep their right of residence in the UK in circumstances when the EEA national:
● has passed away; or
● leaves the UK; or
● divorces their spouse or dissolves their civil partnership
● the family member is the parent of a child who retains the right of residence
The family member will retain the right to reside in these circumstances if they can satisfy the relevant conditions.
From the 30th March 2019, those who had retained rights of residence can apply for either Pre-Settled Status, or Settled Status, depending on the length of time they have lived in the UK, and if they meet certain requirements.
Who are the “Family Members” of an EEA National?
The European laws' definition of a family member includes spouses, civil partners, partners in a durable relationship, (cohabited for at least 2 years), and children under 21 years old.
It may also be possible to bring dependent parents, grandparents and extended family such as siblings and cousins to live in the UK, although where the EEA national is a student they may only be joined by their partner and dependent children.
If you are an EEA national living in the UK, and/or you have family members who you would like to join you permanently in the UK, we can help you.
We offer affordable, fixed-fee rates as well as payment plans.
We work fast - and can have your application/s and supporting documents ready for submission within 2-7 working days.
Call Us Now on 020 3302 6864 for Expert Advice about your case.
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