EEA Family Residents Card or Permanent Residence Card Guidance

EEA Family Residence Card and Permanent Residence card applications are different. Non-EU Family members of the European Economic Area national can apply for the EEA Family Residence card after holding a Family Permit for six months; allowing the holder to live and work in the UK without restriction. Those who remain living in the UK for five years can then apply for the EEA Permanent Residence Card.

In June 2016, the British people voted by a small majority to leave the EU.  Since then, the rights of EEA nationals and their family members have been in a state of flux, with the British government offering little clarity as to what will happen after the UK leaves the bloc as of early 2018. Therefore, many EEA citizens living in the UK have taken steps to secure their right of residence in the UK by applying for an EEA Permanent Residence Card.

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.

The Eligibility Requirements for an EEA Family Residence Card and Permanent Residence Card

EEA Family Residence Card – Eligibility and Requirements

• The EU citizen must be exercising their EU treaty rights
• Proof that you are the family member of the EU citizen
• Proof that you are part of this EU citizen’s household, and/or are the dependent of this EU citizen (extended family member)

An EEA Residence card is valid for up to five years. After five years residence in the UK, the applicant can apply for an EEA Permanent Residence Card.

EEA Permanent Residence Card – Eligibility and Requirements

• Proof that this EU citizen is exercising their EU treaty rights
• You must have been living in the UK with this EU citizen for the past five years
• Proof that you are the family member or extended family member of this EU citizen

Once you have an EEA Permanent Residence Card and have satisfied all other UKVI requirements, you can process further for British Citizenship.

How Do I Apply for an EEA Residence Card or Permanent Residence Card?

The EEA family member who is a qualified person can apply online for residence card or permanent residence card. There is a £65 fees for these applications.

Otherwise, you must download and fill the form:

• Application for a direct family member, form EEA (FM)
• Application for an extended family member, form EEA (EFM)
• Application for a document certifying permanent residence or permanent residence card under the EEA Regulations – EEA (PR)

What Documents Will I Need to Provide for EEA Residence Card 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 family member’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 in one of the four ways outlined below in the FAQs

What Documents Will I Need to Provide for EEA Permanent Residence Card Application?

The documents required for the EEA Permanent Residence Card are extensive, and the failure to collate the correct ones is one of the primary reasons for the high refusal rate.  You will need provide evidences of your continuous residency and activities in the UK during the 5 years of your stay in the UK. It is therefore highly recommended that you work with immigration lawyer to ensure your EU Permanent Residence Card application is filled in correctly and all the necessary documentation is included.  Doing so may save you enormous amounts of time, money, and stress.

What Are the Advantages of Obtaining an EEA Residence Card?

With an EEA Residence Card, you can travel to the UK with the confidence of knowing you will not experience any problems at the border.  In addition, after five years, you may be able to apply for an EEA Permanent Residence Card, and eventually, British Citizenship.

What Can I Do if My Application for an EEA Family Residence Card / EEA Permanent Residence Card is Refused?

The refusal of an EEA Residence Card / EEA Permanent Residence Card 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, appealing the decision, or challenging it via Judicial Review.

Why Choose A Y & J Solicitors to Help You Apply for an EEA Family Residents Card / EEA Permanent Residence Card?

A Y & J Solicitors are honoured to work with families helping them with their immigration matters. We will work with you in every step of the application process, from initial consultation until you get decision on your EEA Residency Card application.  Every client is treated with the utmost respect and consideration, and can always expect hassle-free services, regular updates, and clear communication. Read clients reviews here.