The EEA Family Permit was once an essential visa for non-EEA family members of European nationals moving to or living in the UK. However, following Brexit, the UK made significant changes to its immigration system, replacing the permit with the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) family permit. Many applicants are still confused about their rights, eligibility, and application process in 2025.

 

At Immigration Solicitors4me, we specialize in helping families reunite under UK immigration laws. If you're looking for expert legal guidance on the EEA Family Permit or its replacement, this guide will clarify everything you need to know.

 

What Happened to the EEA Family Permit?

 

Before Brexit, non-EEA family members of European nationals could apply for an EEA Family Permit to enter and live in the UK. However, after the UK left the EU, the permit was replaced by the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Family Permit on June 30, 2021.

 

Now, family members of EEA nationals must apply under the EUSS Family Permit, which allows them to join their European relatives who have settled status in the UK.

 

Who Can Apply for the EUSS Family Permit?

 

To be eligible for an EUSS Family Permit, you must meet the following criteria:

 

• You must be a family memberof an EU, EEA, or Swiss national who started living in the UK before December 31, 2020.


• The EU/EEA national must either:
  
  
  • Have settled statusor pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
  
  
  • Be eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme but have not applied.
  
   


• You must be outside the UK when applying.

 

 

Eligible Family Members

 

The following family members can apply for an EUSS Family Permit:

 

1. Spouse or Civil Partner– You must have been married or in a civil partnership before December 31, 2020.


2. Unmarried Partner– You must have been in a long-term relationship before December 31, 2020, and be able to prove it.


3. Children (Under 21)– Your EU national relative must be your parent or guardian.


4. Dependent Parents & Grandparents– You must prove financial dependence before December 31, 2020.


5. Other Dependent Relatives– Includes siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins in certain cases.

 

 

How to Apply for an EUSS Family Permit

 

1. Gather Required Documents

 

 

Before applying, you must collect:

 

• copyright or valid travel document


• Proof of relationship (marriage/copyright)


• Proof that your EU relative has settled/pre-settled status


• Evidence of dependency (for parents or extended relatives)

 

 

2. Submit an Online Application

 

 

All applications are submitted online through the UK Home Office website. You must also book a biometric appointment at a copyright center.

 

3. Processing Time

 

 

The standard processing time for an EUSS Family Permit is 8-12 weeks, but it can take longer due to delays.

 

Common Reasons for Refusal

 

Many applicants face rejection due to missing documents, lack of evidence, or eligibility issues. The most common reasons for refusal include:

 

• Failing to prove a genuine relationship


• Missing the deadline for eligibility (December 31, 2020)


• Submitting incorrect or incomplete documents


• The EU national relative not having settled or pre-settled status

 

 

If your application is refused, you can challenge the decision by requesting an administrative review or submitting a fresh application with better evidence.

 

Why Choose Immigration Solicitors4me?

 

Navigating UK immigration laws can be complex, and even small mistakes can lead to delays or rejection. At Immigration Solicitors4me, our expert immigration lawyers help with:

 

• Understanding eligibility criteria


• Collecting and submitting strong evidence


• Avoiding common mistakes in the application


• Challenging refusals and appeals

 

 

If you need guidance on an EEA Family Permit, contact us today. Let our immigration experts make your application process stress-free and successful.

 

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