The EUSS Family Permit is a key immigration route for family members of European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Swiss citizens who were living in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period. It is a vital permit that allows non-EU family members to join or accompany an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen who is residing in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). This article will explore the EUSS Family Permit, covering its requirements, rules, processing time, and much more. We will also answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) to guide you through the process.
What is the EUSS Family Permit?
The EUSS Family Permit is a type of immigration permit that allows family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals to enter and reside in the UK. It is specifically designed for people who wish to join their family members who are already living in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). The permit is available for a range of family members, including spouses, children, parents, and other dependents, who were outside the UK at the time the UK left the European Union.
The EUSS Family Permit enables the holder to enter and stay in the UK for a period of up to six months. After entering the UK, the individual can apply for settled status or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to remain in the country long-term. This permit serves as a vital tool for ensuring that families are reunited post-Brexit, allowing family members to live, work, and access public services in the UK.
EUSS Family Permit Requirements
Before applying for the EUSS Family Permit, it is crucial to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements set out by the UK government. The key requirements for the permit include:
- Eligibility of the EEA or Swiss Sponsor: The person you are applying to join in the UK must be an EU, EEA, or Swiss national who has been granted settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. They should have been living in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31, 2020.
- Family Relationship: You must be a close family member of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen residing in the UK. This includes:
- Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
- Children under 21 years of age (or older if financially dependent)
- Dependent parents or grandparents
- Other dependents (e.g., siblings or extended family members) under certain conditions.
- Proof of Relationship: You will need to provide proof of your relationship with the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen. This may include marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other official documents that demonstrate your familial connection.
- Living Outside the UK: To apply for the EUSS Family Permit, you must be living outside the UK at the time of your application. If you are already in the UK, you would need to apply for a different type of visa or status.
- Application Deadline: The EUSS Family Permit is available to family members of EU nationals who were living in the UK before December 31, 2020. While you can apply for the permit at any time, it is important to apply as early as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines and requirements.
- No Criminal Convictions: You must not have serious criminal convictions or pose a security risk to the UK.
EUSS Family Permit Rules
The EUSS Family Permit rules govern who can apply, how they can apply, and what they can do after being granted the permit. The key rules include:
- Duration of Stay: The permit allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months. It does not provide permanent settlement status, but you can apply for settled status or pre-settled status once you arrive in the UK. These statuses allow you to stay long-term.
- Work and Study: The EUSS Family Permit allows you to work and study in the UK during your stay. There are no restrictions on employment or educational opportunities once you have the permit.
- Dependents: If you are applying as a dependent, such as a dependent parent, you must show that you are financially dependent on the EU/EEA/Swiss sponsor in the UK. If you are financially supported by them, you may be eligible to apply for this permit.
- Multiple Entries: The EUSS Family Permit allows for multiple entries into the UK during the permit’s validity period. This means that you can leave and return to the UK without needing to reapply for a new permit within the six-month window.
- Status Application After Arrival: Once in the UK, you must apply for settled or pre-settled status if you wish to remain beyond the permit’s validity period. This application is crucial for securing long-term residence rights.
EUSS Family Permit Casework Guidance
The EUSS Family Permit casework guidance provides detailed instructions for immigration caseworkers when processing family permit applications. This guidance covers all aspects of the application process, including:
- How to assess whether an applicant meets the eligibility criteria
- What documents are required for verifying the relationship between the applicant and the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Procedures for verifying the sponsor’s status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Steps for dealing with applications from dependent parents, including how to assess financial dependency and ensure the applicant’s relationship to the sponsor is genuine
It’s important to follow the casework guidance to ensure that all applications are properly evaluated and that applicants receive the correct immigration status.
EUSS Family Permit Processing Time
The EUSS Family Permit processing time can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the volume of applications being processed. On average, applications are processed within approximately 2 to 4 weeks. However, it’s recommended to apply well in advance to avoid delays, especially if you have travel plans or other time-sensitive matters.
For dependent parents, the processing time may take longer if additional documentation or clarification is required to prove financial dependency or the family relationship.
EUSS Family Permit Dependent Parents
One of the key groups eligible for the EUSS Family Permit is dependent parents. If you are a parent of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen living in the UK, you may be eligible for this permit if you are financially dependent on your child. In these cases, you must provide evidence of financial dependency, such as bank statements, proof of support from the child, or other relevant documents.
To apply as a dependent parent, you must meet the same basic criteria as other family members. This includes proving the relationship, submitting proof of dependency, and ensuring that you meet the general application requirements.
EUSS Family Permit Fee
The application for the EUSS Family Permit is free of charge. This applies to all applicants, regardless of the type of family member (spouse, child, parent, etc.). However, if you wish to extend your stay beyond the six-month period, or if you need to apply for settled status or pre-settled status, additional fees may apply. It is important to verify the applicable fees for subsequent applications when you arrive in the UK.
FAQs about the EUSS Family Permit
Who is eligible to apply for the EUSS Family Permit?
Close family members (spouse, children, parents, and dependent relatives) of EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. The family member must be living outside the UK at the time of application.
How long does the EUSS Family Permit last?
The permit allows the holder to stay in the UK for up to six months. After that, you must apply for settled status or pre-settled status if you wish to remain in the UK.
Can dependent parents apply for the EUSS Family Permit?
Yes, dependent parents can apply for the EUSS Family Permit, but they must demonstrate financial dependency on the EU/EEA/Swiss sponsor in the UK.
Is there a fee for the EUSS Family Permit?
No, the application for the EUSS Family Permit is free.
What documents do I need to apply for the EUSS Family Permit?
You will need documents that prove your family relationship with the EU/EEA/Swiss sponsor, proof of the sponsor’s status in the UK, and evidence of your eligibility, such as financial dependency (if applicable).
Conclusion
The EUSS Family Permit is an essential tool for reuniting families post-Brexit, allowing non-EU family members to join their relatives in the UK. By understanding the requirements, rules, and processing time, applicants can prepare a strong case for their permit application. For dependent parents and other family members, this route provides the opportunity to live and work in the UK, ensuring that families can stay together even after the UK’s departure from the EU.
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