A non-EEA family member of an EEA national may be able to apply outside the UK for an EEA Family Permit to join their EEA family member in the UK if their EEA family member is exercising Treaty rights.

Or they may be able to apply to come to the UK with their EEA family member if their EEA family member is coming to the UK for the purpose of exercising Treaty rights.

There is no requirement to apply for an EEA Family Permit to enter the UK, it can, for example, be issued at the UK border.

However, applying for Family Permit in advance will simplify entry and avoid the conflict with the airline, where they may not allow a passenger to board the plane in the absence of a valid visa.

An EEA Family Permit is granted for a period of six months and the visa holder is entitled to work in the UK.

After arriving in the UK, a non-EEA national family member will have to prepare and submit the application for an EEA Residence Card, which will be issued for a period of 5 years.

After 5 years the person may be eligible to apply for an EEA Permanent Residence in the UK.

Who can apply for an EEA Family Permit?

The requirements for those who are eligible to apply for an EEA family permit are very similar to a Residence Card application. In order to apply, you must be one of the following:

• Direct family member of an EEA national, i.e. spouse / civil partner.
• Dependant parent or grandparent of an EEA national or their spouse / civil partner.
• Direct family member of British citizens, also know as “Surinder Singh” applications.
• Extended family member, i.e. unmarried partner or other dependant relatives.
• Applicant with a derivative right of residence.

Processing Times for EU Family Permit

The processing times will vary depending on where the application for an EEA family permit is submitted. Standard processing times are up to 6 months. Most application are however decided in 1-3 months.

What to do if Your Application is Refused?

If your family permit application is refused, you will normally get a full right of appeal. Please refer to our page on appealing UK visa refusal. However, before decided on how to proceed, it is strongly advisable to speak to an immigration lawyer. Contact our expert team of London immigration lawyers to arrange a consultation and obtain expert legal advice.

Applying for a Family Permit

The application process will differ depending on where the application for an EEA family permit is submitted from and on what basis you will be submitting an application. Supporting documentary for a family permit evidence may also vary depending on your personal circumstances.

Contact our award-winning team of qualified EU immigration lawyers to seek seek legal advice. Our expert London solicitors can assist with your initial EEA family permit application.

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