If you’re an EEA national or family member living in the UK, applying for an EEA Permanent Residence Card may be an important step in securing your right to stay in the UK, especially as the UK leaves the EU. However, the application process can be tricky, and many people make mistakes that lead to refusals. Around 28% of applications are rejected due to errors.
Here are the top four tips to help you navigate the application process and improve your chances of success:
1. Get Professional Help to Complete the Application
The EEA Permanent Residence Card application form is complex, spanning 85 pages. Many applicants make simple mistakes that lead to refusals, such as forgetting to mention periods of absence from the UK over the last five years.
To avoid these issues, it’s highly recommended to get assistance from an immigration lawyer. They will ensure that your form is completed accurately and that you don’t miss any important details. This can save you time and money by avoiding mistakes that could lead to a rejection.
2. Understand the Requirements for Permanent Residence
To qualify for the EEA Permanent Residence Card, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. Some of the key requirements include:
- Living in the UK for at least five years while exercising treaty rights (as an employee, student, self-employed person, etc.).
- Providing proof of your relationship if you are a family member of an EEA national.
- Proof of continuous legal residence in the UK for the required period.
One common issue that leads to refusal is the failure to have Comprehensive Sickness Insurance (CSI), especially for self-sufficient individuals. Before applying, speak to an immigration lawyer who can assess your situation and help you meet all requirements.
3. Surinder Singh Route – Understand the ‘Centre of Life’ Test
If you entered the UK through the Surinder Singh route (which allows non-EEA family members of UK citizens to gain residence through EU law), you may be eligible for permanent residence. However, this route is complex and requires proof that the UK is the “center of life” for you and your family.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will look at factors such as:
- Why you move to the EU country
- Whether you integrated into the local community (e.g., learning the language, owning property)
- Whether you had children in the EU country and if they attended school there
If you’re applying through this route, it’s crucial to fully understand these requirements. Failing to do so could lead to your application being rejected.
4. Submit the Correct Documentation
A common reason for refusal is failing to provide the correct documents with your application. For example, if you’re self-employed, you may not have kept all the required documents, like five years of invoices.
An immigration lawyer can help you gather and organize the necessary documentation, ensuring that your application is complete and accurate. This can save you from the frustration of having to reapply or challenge a refusal.
As the UK moves forward after Brexit, many EEA nationals and their family members are looking to secure their right to remain in the UK. An EEA Permanent Residence Card not only proves your right to live in the UK but is also an essential step towards obtaining British Citizenship.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the UK straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a UK Spouse Visa, Tier 2 Work Visa, Tier 4 General Student Visa, Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, Entrepreneur Visa, or an EEA Permanent Residence Card, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas and permits they need for international travel. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
