The EEA Family Permit is a document that allows non-European Economic Area (EEA) family members of EEA nationals to enter the UK. This permit is essential for those who wish to join their EEA family members in the UK, whether for a short visit or a longer stay. The application process can be complex, and the eligibility criteria are strict, but with the right guidance, it is possible to navigate this process successfully. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to apply for an EEA Family Permit, the eligibility criteria, and what to do after the 30th of June.
Understanding the EEA Family Permit
The EEA Family Permit is a type of entry clearance for non-EEA family members of EEA nationals who wish to come to the UK. It is valid for six months and allows the holder to leave and enter the UK as many times as they wish within that period. The permit is free to apply for and is usually quicker to obtain than a UK visa.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for an EEA Family Permit, you must be a direct family member of an EEA national. This includes spouses, civil partners, children under 21, and dependent parents or grandparents. Extended family members, such as siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins, may also be eligible if they can prove they are dependent on the EEA national. It’s worth noting that in the UK, you can marry your first cousin, so if your EEA national family member is your first cousin, this could potentially affect your eligibility.
Applying for an EEA Family Permit
To apply for an EEA Family Permit, you will need to complete an online application form. The form will ask for details about your relationship with the EEA national, their status in the UK, and your reasons for wanting to come to the UK. You will also need to provide various documents, including:
- Your passport or other valid travel ID
- Proof of your relationship to the EEA national, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate
- Proof of your dependency on the EEA national, if applicable
- Proof of the EEA national’s status in the UK, such as their EEA passport or national identity card
Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the necessary documents, you will need to submit your application to the UK Visa and Immigration service. You may also need to attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).
EEA Family Permit After 30 June
As of 30 June 2021, the rules for applying for an EEA Family Permit have changed due to Brexit. EEA nationals and their family members are now required to apply under the UK’s new points-based immigration system. However, if the EEA national was living in the UK before 31 December 2020, their family members can still apply for an EEA Family Permit.
EU Family Permit
The EU Family Permit is similar to the EEA Family Permit but is specifically for family members of EU citizens. The application process and eligibility criteria are largely the same, but the EU Family Permit is only valid for four months.
Conclusion
Applying for an EEA Family Permit can be a complex process, but with the right preparation and understanding of the eligibility criteria, it is possible to navigate this process successfully. Whether you are a spouse, child, parent, or extended family member of an EEA national, this permit could be your ticket to joining your family in the UK.
