Individuals who have lived legally in the UK for 10 continuous years to apply for permanent stay.
Grants an extension to stay in the UK for those already living lawfully on a temporary visa.
Permanent resident status to eligible individuals, to live and work in the UK without time limits.
Eligible family members of EEA nationals to join or stay with their relatives in the UK after Brexit.
Post-Brexit EEA Family Permits – Guidance for Family Members of EU Citizens
Since the UK’s departure from the European Union, the immigration landscape has changed significantly for EU citizens and their families. While the EEA Family Permit route closed on 30 June 2021, there are still options available for family members of EU nationals under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and Appendix EU (Family Permit).
Highfin Solicitors provides clear, up-to-date advice on post-Brexit routes for joining or remaining with EEA family members in the UK.
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- Our approach
What Was the EEA Family Permit?
The EEA Family Permit was a route that allowed eligible non-EEA family members of EEA nationals to enter the UK. This route is now closed. If you did not apply by 30 June 2021, you cannot now submit a new EEA Family Permit application. However, depending on your situation, there may be other options.
What Are the Current Options Post-Brexit?
If you’re the family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen, you may still be eligible to apply under the following routes:
- EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit
This route allows non-UK family members of EU citizens to enter the UK, provided the relationship existed before 31 December 2020. You must apply from outside the UK.
Eligibility includes:
- Spouses or civil partners of EU citizens
- Durable partners (with evidence of a long-term relationship)
- Children or grandchildren under 21, or dependent parents and grandparents
- Extended family members in some circumstances
You must join your EEA family member in the UK and apply for pre-settled status once in the UK.
- Joining Family Members of EU Citizens with Settled or Pre-Settled Status
If your EEA family member has status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to join them by applying as a joining family member from abroad.
- Human Rights or Family Life Applications
If none of the EUSS options apply, you may still be eligible to remain or enter the UK based on Article 8 ECHR (right to family life), particularly in cases involving children or long-term relationships.
Highfin Solicitors can assess your specific circumstances and help you identify the most appropriate route based on current Home Office policy.
Common Challenges
- Proving the relationship existed before 31 December 2020
- Lack of sufficient documentation
- Unclear immigration status of the EEA sponsor
- Missing deadlines or failing to apply under the correct route
Highfin Solicitors works to overcome these hurdles by gathering robust evidence, managing deadlines, and guiding clients through each step of the application process.
Home Office Fees
EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit: Free of charge
- Application for Pre-Settled or Settled Status: Free of charge
Why Choose Highfin Solicitors?
Highfin Solicitors offers in-depth knowledge of post-Brexit immigration law and regularly supports clients seeking to join their EEA family members in the UK. With up-to-date expertise and personalised legal strategies, applications are submitted with the highest standard of care and compliance.
Whether you are applying from abroad or within the UK, you will receive:
- A full eligibility assessment
- Assistance gathering and reviewing required evidence
- Preparation and submission of your application
- Ongoing support until a decision is received
Contact Us
If you are a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen and wish to live in the UK, contact Highfin Solicitors today for tailored legal advice. We will help you navigate your options under the post-Brexit immigration framework.
0207 113 5728
Or use our online enquiry form to arrange a confidential consultation.
