EEA Family Permit Visa Guidance UK

EEA Family Permit Visa provides entry into the UK for non-EEA family members of EEA nationals currently or intend to reside in the UK.

In theory, for non-EU spouse and civil partner, an EEA Family Visa is not required as permission to enter the UK can be sought at the border. However, when travelling with family to the UK, we strongly advise travelling with a family permit as some airlines may refuse you permission to board fearing they are fined for carrying someone who requires permission to enter the UK.  In addition, you may be refused entry by immigration officials if you do not have an EEA Family Permit.  In cases like this, it is better to be safe than sorry.

An EEA Family Permit is valid for six months.  After this period, you will need to apply for a new permit if you are staying in the UK or apply for an EEA Family Residence Card to formalise your right to remain in the country.

At A Y & J Solicitors, our team has vast experience of assisting EEA nationals and their families securing their right to live and work in Britain.  We follow the developments on Brexit plan and analyse the impact it has on EEA citizens and their loved ones, we can provide expert advice on how to ensure their right to remain in the UK after Brexit is protected.

What Are the Requirements of an EEA Family Permit?

To qualify for an EEA Family Permit, you must show that:

• You are a family member or extended family member of an EEA national who is already in the country or will be travelling with you within six months of your application
• If the EEA national is already in Britain and has been here for three months or more, they must be exercising their Treaty rights as an employee, self-employed person, student or self-sufficient person
• You will remain in the same household with the EU national as their dependent

If you are making an application under the Surinder Singh route, or a retained right of residence or derivative right of residence, you need to meet further eligibility criteria.  Our experienced immigration lawyers can assist you throughout the entire application process.

A family member is defined as:

• a spouse
• civil partner
• a partner who you have lived within a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years (this includes same-sex partners)
• a dependent child or grandchild under 21 years, or;
• a dependent parent or grandparent

An extended family member includes siblings, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins who are dependent on you for their day-to-day care.

How Do I Apply for an EEA Family Permit?

Applications for an EEA Family Permit Visa can be made online unless you are applying from North Korea.  There is NO fees charged by Government to process this application. Our team will guide you through every step.

Which Documents Will I Need to Include with My EEA Family Permit Application?

To make a successful application, you will need to provide the following (non-exhaustive) documents:

• a valid passport
• evidence of your relationship to your EEA family member, for example a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, birth certificate, or proof that you’ve lived together for two years if unmarried
• your sponsor’s valid passport or national identity card (or a certified copy if you can’t provide the original)
• proof of your dependency if you’re dependent on your EEA family member
• proof that your EEA family member has permanent residency status or, if they have been in the country for more than three months, is exercising their Treaty rights

What Are the Advantages of Obtaining an EEA Family Permit?

By having an EEA Family Permit you can travel to the UK with the confidence of knowing you will less likely experiencing any problems at the border.  In addition, it can make EEA Residence Card application smooth as you would have completed most of the requirements already.

What Can I Do if My Application for an EEA Family Permit is Refused?

A refusal of an EEA Family Permit has a full right of appeal for both family members and extended family members.  If your application is refused, our lawyers will carefully examine the reasons and advise you on the best action to take to rectify the situation.  Options include resubmitting the application or appealing the decision or challenging it via Judicial Review (if no right or appeal).  You can read more about how we can assist with an EEA Family Permit or Residence Card refusal here.

Why Choose A Y & J Solicitors to Help You Obtain a UK EEA Family Permit?

The experts at A Y & J Solicitors are well trained in successfully acquiring EEA Family Permits, read reviews by our clients here.  Our lawyers understand exactly how to process applications to ensure they have the best chance of approval and will work with you to you understand the requirements.  By instructing us, you can be confident the process of receiving an EEA Family Permit is hassle-free.  We are dedicated to provide right immigration advice.