JMW Solicitors does not offer services related to finding employment in the UK. If you are looking to speak to a solicitor about any legal matters concerning an immigration application, contact us today.
EEA and EU Immigration Lawyers
If you’re looking to come to the UK from a country in the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), Brexit has changed the way you can live and work in the UK. Since 31st December 2020, EU or EEA nationals are required to apply for UK immigration status to stay in the UK.
The transitional period for EU nationals to make an application under the EU Settlement Scheme came to an end on 30th June 2021. Late applications can still be made by those who don’t already hold pre-settled or settled status, but applicants will need to prove they have ‘reasonable grounds’ for applying late.
EU and EEA citizens who are unable to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme will now be considered and treated in the same way as non-EU nationals.
At JMW, our solicitors have helped many individuals and their families to enter or remain in the UK, and are well versed in all aspects of UK immigration law. We can take you through your options, advising on which application is most appropriate and helping you to navigate through the visa application process to improve your chances of a successful outcome.
To speak to a solicitor for specialist immigration advice as an EU or EEA national, get in touch with JMW today by calling 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of the team will get back to you.
How JMW Can Help
The immigration solicitors at JMW can offer expert assistance throughout the visa application process. As mentioned above, while the EU Settlement Scheme is closed to new applicants, those with reasonable grounds can proceed to submit a late application. We can advise you on whether or not the submission of a late application is possible in your case, and if not, we can provide advice in relation to alternative immigration options.
Our support will include the completion and submission of all necessary application forms, as well as any supporting evidence on your behalf.
We understand that immigration matters often cause significant stress and anxiety, and it is our objective to remove any worries from you by managing your application and handling proceedings quickly and efficiently on your behalf.
FAQs About UK Immigration for EU Citizens
- Can you still apply under the EU Settlement Scheme?
The Home Office introduced the EU Settlement Scheme as a route for EU and EEA nationals to obtain lawful immigration status in the UK following Brexit. The scheme classified immigration status as either ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’.
Settled status was obtained by living in the UK continuously for five years, while pre-settled status was given to those who had lived in the UK for less than five years. Both allowed citizens to live and work freely in the UK, and eventually apply to be naturalised as a British citizen.
The scheme is closed to new applicants, but the Home Office may accept a late application if an applicant can provide strong evidence to show why they did not or could not apply before the deadline.
- What do I need in order to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme?
As the deadline to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme ended on 30th June 2021, any application made under the scheme following this date will be made as a late application. Clear reasons will need to be given with supporting evidence as to why the application has been made late.
Assuming your late application is accepted and considered, you will be required to prove that you have been living in the UK as a European citizen (or family member thereof) since before December 31st 2020.
Proof of identification, such as a passport or national identity card, will also be required. You might also need birth or adoption certificates, marriage or civil partnership documents or other documents that prove your relationship to any other people applying alongside you.
Depending on how you are complying with relevant Immigration Rules, alternative evidence may also be required.
- What can I do under settled or pre-settled status?
Once you have been granted settled or pre-settled status, you will be able to do the following:
- Work in the UK
- Use NHS services
- Enrol in education or continue studying in the UK
- Access public funds
- Travel in and out of the UK
- Apply for British citizenship after holding settled status for one year
If you have settled status, you can spend five years consecutively outside of the UK without losing your status. For those with pre-settled status, this is reduced to up to two years.
- Can my family apply under the EU Settlement Scheme?
Under UK Immigration Rules, family members of an EU or EEA national are considered to be a:
- Spouse or civil partner
- Child or grandchild of you and/or your spouse or civil partner, if they’re under 18 and dependent on you
- An adult over the age of 18 who is dependent on you
If your family is already in the UK with you, they might be able to apply for pre-settled or settled status if there are good reasons as to why the application was not submitted before 30th June 2021.
If your partner is still abroad, they might still be able to join you, although such an application will likely fall outside of the EU Settlement Scheme.
- What other options are available now that the EU Settlement Scheme is closed?
European citizens who wish to move to the UK must apply through the alternative Immigration Routes, which also apply to non-EU citizens. The free movement rights EU citizens previously enjoyed no longer apply. Below are some of the visa options available:
- Skilled Worker visa, for those who have a job offer in the UK from a Home Office-licensed sponsor.
- Health and Care Worker visa, a subcategory of the Skilled Worker visa for those working in eligible health and social care roles.
- Student visa, for those undertaking a course of study in the UK.
- Graduate visa, if you have completed a degree in the UK on a Student visa and wish to remain.
- Family visa, to join family members who are settled,have British citizenship, or have pre-settled status.
- Global Talent visa, for leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts and culture, or digital technology.
- Innovator Founder visa, for those with an innovative, viable, scalable business idea and who would like to establish their business in the UK.
There are also other visa options that may apply in different circumstances, so it is vital to understand the relevant eligibility requirements in each case to choose the right immigration route for you. JMW’s expert immigration solicitors can discuss your needs and advise you on the best visa route for your needs, then help you to successfully apply.
Talk to Us
If you are looking to live, work or settle in the UK, our solicitors can help you to choose a visa and make a successful application. While EU citizens are now restricted by the available visas, there are still many opportunities to come to the UK.
Contact JMW by calling 0345 872 6666, or by filling in our online enquiry form to request for a member of the immigration team to get back to you.