Applying for permanent residence in the UK can be a complex process, especially for those unfamiliar with the country’s immigration laws and regulations. One term that often comes up in this context is ‘EEA’, which stands for European Economic Area. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what EEA means, who it applies to, and how it relates to the process of applying for permanent residence in the UK. We will also provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply for UK permanent residence as an EEA national.
Understanding the EEA
The European Economic Area (EEA) is a region that includes all European Union (EU) countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. It allows them to be part of the EU’s single market. Switzerland is neither an EU nor EEA member but is part of the single market. This means Swiss nationals have the same rights to live and work in the UK as other EEA nationals.
Who are EEA Nationals?
EEA nationals are citizens of countries that are members of the European Economic Area. This includes citizens of EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Swiss nationals are also generally treated as EEA nationals for immigration purposes.
What Does EEA Mean in the Context of UK Immigration?
In the context of UK immigration, the term ‘EEA’ is used to refer to the rights of EEA nationals to live, work, and study in the UK. Before Brexit, EEA nationals had the right to live and work in the UK under the EU’s freedom of movement rules. However, the UK’s exit from the EU has led to changes in the rights of EEA nationals in the UK.
Changes in the Rights of EEA Nationals Post-Brexit
Following Brexit, the UK has ended free movement. This means that EEA nationals arriving in the UK after December 31, 2020, will need to comply with UK immigration rules and may need to apply for a visa. However, EEA nationals who were living in the UK before December 31, 2020, can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to protect their rights.
Applying for UK Permanent Residence as an EEA National
If you’re an EEA national and were living in the UK before December 31, 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after June 30, 2021. If your application is successful, you’ll get either settled or pre-settled status.
Settled Status
If you’ve lived in the UK for a continuous 5-year period (known as ‘continuous residence’), you’ll usually get settled status. This means you can stay in the UK as long as you like and apply for citizenship if you’re eligible.
Pre-settled Status
If you do not have 5 years’ continuous residence when you apply, you’ll usually get pre-settled status. You can then apply to change this to settled status once you’ve got 5 years’ continuous residence.
How to Apply for the EU Settlement Scheme
The application process for the EU Settlement Scheme is relatively straightforward and can be done online. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Verify your identity: You’ll need a valid passport or national identity card. If you do not have these, you can use other documents.
- Check your residence: You’ll need to provide proof of your residence in the UK. This can be a utility bill, a letter from your employer, or a bank statement, among other documents.
- Criminality check: You’ll need to declare any criminal convictions. Only serious or persistent criminality will affect your application.
- Pay any necessary fees: There is no fee to apply to the scheme.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll receive a decision by email, usually within a few weeks.
Conclusion
Understanding what EEA means and how it relates to UK immigration is crucial for EEA nationals planning to live, work, or study in the UK. While the UK’s exit from the EU has led to changes in the rights of EEA nationals, those living in the UK before December 31, 2020, can still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to protect their rights. By following the steps outlined in this guide, EEA nationals can navigate the process of applying for UK permanent residence more effectively.
