EUSS Family Permit
Overview of the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit
The EUSS Family Permit simplifies the process for eligible non-UK family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens (or eligible persons of Northern Ireland) to travel to the UK to join or accompany them. This permit grants entry to the UK for a period of up to six months, with associated rights to work and study.
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) is an immigration program established to secure the legal status of European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Swiss citizens, along with their family members, who were residing in the UK by December 31, 2020, following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for the EUSS Family Permit?
Applicants must be outside the UK at the time of application.
Eligibility generally applies if you are the family member of:
- Someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein who was living in the UK by December 31, 2020, and holds either settled or pre-settled status
- An eligible person of Northern Ireland (defined as an Irish, British, or dual British and Irish citizen born in Northern Ireland, whose parent also held British, Irish, or dual citizenship or had no restriction on their stay)
Eligibility and Eligible Family Members
Close Family Members
This category includes a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner (requiring substantial evidence of a genuine, long-lasting relationship, typically two years of cohabitation prior to December 31, 2020), a child or grandchild under 21, a dependent child or grandchild over 21, or a dependent parent or grandparent.
Extended Family Members
While previously eligible under EEA Family Permits, extended family members (e.g., cousins, aunts/uncles) are generally no longer eligible for an EUSS Family Permit unless they previously held documentation under the EEA Regulations.
Relationship Evidence Requirements
The type and extent of evidence required depends on your relationship to the sponsor:
Spouse/Civil Partner
A valid marriage or civil partnership certificate.
Unmarried Partner
Comprehensive evidence of a long-term relationship established before December 31, 2020, such as joint bank statements, utility bills, tenancy agreements, or birth certificates of shared children.
Dependent Child / Grandchild / Parent / Grandparent
A birth certificate or other official proof of the familial relationship. For children/grandchildren over 21, or for dependent parents/grandparents, additional proof of financial or medical dependency may be required (e.g., bank transfers, medical letters). It is critical to note that as of July 1, 2021, dependency is no longer assumed and must be explicitly evidenced.
Documents Needed for the EUSS Family Permit
Essential documentation for your application includes:
Proof of Identity
A valid passport or national ID card.
Proof of Relationship
Marriage certificate, birth certificates, joint bank statements, etc., as detailed above, to establish the familial link.
Proof of Family Member's Status
The 16-digit EUSS application number of your UK-based family member (if applicable) is crucial for linking applications.
Residence and Financial Dependency Evidence
For dependent family members, robust evidence of financial or medical reliance on the sponsor is required.
How to Apply for Settled Status
Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process
Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet the specific criteria for Family Permit.
Gather Documents
Prepare all necessary identity and residence proofs.
Complete Online Application
Fill out the detailed application form available on the official UK government website.
You have the flexibility to save your application and return to it within 70 days.
Verify Identity
Utilise the “EU Exit: ID Document Check” app (available on Android and newer iPhones) for digital identity verification, or send your physical documents by post if required.
Upload Documentation
Upload up to 10 supporting documents (each not exceeding 6MB) to substantiate your claim of UK residence.
Biometrics (if applicable)
If you are from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and do not already possess a biometric residence card/permit, you may be required to provide fingerprints and a photograph at a UKVCAS service point or a designated visa application centre.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
To prevent delays, ensure all submitted documents are accurate, complete, and consistent. Providing thorough dependency evidence for relevant family members is particularly crucial since the rule changes on July 1, 2021.
EUSS Family Permit Processing Time & Fees
Fees
There is no fee to apply for the EUSS Family Permit itself. However, you may incur costs for biometric enrolment services and any additional premium services chosen.
Processing Time
Applications are typically processed within approximately one month. Nevertheless, processing times can extend if additional information is requested or if complex verification processes are needed. Some reports have indicated waiting times of around three months.
After You Get an EUSS Family Permit
Upon successful receipt of your permit (which will be issued as a visa vignette in your passport), you are granted permission to enter the UK within six months. Crucially, once you have entered the UK, you have a period of three months from your entry date (or before the permit expires, whichever occurs sooner) to submit an application for Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Transitioning from an EUSS Family Permit to Pre-Settled or Settled Status
You can apply for Pre-Settled Status once you are physically present in the UK. If you meet the full five-year continuous residence requirement, you may apply directly for Settled Status.
Rights and Benefits Under the Family Permit
While in the UK on an EUSS Family Permit, you have:
- The right to work and study
- Access to healthcare and education services
- Permission to remain for up to six months
- The ability to apply for Pre-Settled or Settled Status while in the UK
Important Deadlines and Considerations
The general deadline for most EUSS applications was June 30, 2021. However, in specific circumstances (e.g., a child gaining status later, providing a reasonable cause for delay, being a victim of domestic abuse, etc.), late applications may still be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my Family Permit application is refused?
In the event of a refusal for a Family Permit, you possess the right to challenge the decision. Detailed guidance on the appeal process is available from official government sources and specialist legal advisors.
Can I work while on an EUSS Family Permit?
Yes, the EUSS Family Permit grants you the right to work and study in the UK for the duration of your stay (up to six months).
What happens if I don't apply for Pre-Settled Status within three months of arrival?
You must apply for Pre-Settled Status within three months of entering the UK or before your Family Permit expires, whichever is sooner. Failure to do so may affect your legal status in the UK.
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