UK EEA Family Permit
UK EEA Family Permit
The EEA Family Permit is an entry clearance that allows a non-EEA national to join their EEA family member in the UK. When effectively acquired, the permit will enable you to leave and re-enter the UK as many times as you wish without restriction for 6 months. While not technically a visa, the permit functions similarly. Once all the requirements are satisfied, you will be able to travel to the UK and join the EEA family member.
Who is the UK EEA family permit for?
You can apply for the EEA family permit if you are from outside the European Economic Area and a close or extended family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen. You can be a close or ‘extended’ family member – for example, a brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, nephew, or niece.
What are the eligibility criteria for a UK EEA family permit?
For you to be eligible, your EU, EEA, or Swiss family member usually has to be living in the UK by 31 December 2020. If your family member came to the UK on or after January 1, 2021, then you may need to apply for a visa.
- The EEA citizen you are joining must either be in the UK already or be traveling with you to the UK within 6 months of the date of your application.
- If they have been in the UK for more than 3 months, they must either:
- Be a ‘qualified person’ (working, looking for work, self-employed, studying, or self-sufficient).
- Have or be eligible for a permanent residence document (also called a ‘document certifying permanent residence’).
- If your family member is not a ‘qualified person’ and does not have a permanent residence document, you may be eligible for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.
To qualify as a ‘close’ family member, you must be the EEA citizen’s spouse or civil partner, or related to them (or to their spouse or civil partner) as their:
- Child or grandchild under 21 years old, or dependent child or grandchild of any age.
- Dependent parent or grandparent.
To qualify as an ‘extended’ family member or unmarried partner, for example, a brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, nephew, or niece, you must:
- Show that you are dependent on the EEA citizen or are a member of their household or have a serious health condition and rely on them to care for you.
- Apply as an unmarried partner if you can show that you are in a lasting relationship with the EEA national.
Extended family members and unmarried partners are not guaranteed to get a permit. Your individual circumstances will be considered when you apply.
You can also apply as the family member of an EEA national student if you are either the student’s partner or dependent child (or the dependent child of their spouse or civil partner). Children of all ages must be dependent on the EEA citizen.
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What Documents are required to apply for an EEA Family Permit?
You will need to provide various documents when applying for the permit. It is important to demonstrate your reliance on your EEA relatives as part of the application process. Required documents include:
- A valid passport.
- The valid passport or national identity card of your EEA relative (certified copies are acceptable if originals are unavailable).
- Evidence of your relationship to your EEA relative, such as a birth certificate, marriage/civil partnership certificate, or proof of cohabitation for at least two years if you are unmarried.
What is the stay duration permitted on the UK EEA family permit?
You will initially be granted a UK EEA Family Permit for 6 months, allowing you to enter and remain in the UK with your EEA national family member. This permit can be extended to five years upon application. Permit holders will have free access to the National Health Service and public schools. Eligible applicants may also have the right to study and work without any restrictions. After completing 5 years in the UK, you can apply to settle permanently.