European Nationals
Expert Immigration Services for EU, EEA and Swiss Citizens
Our specialist immigration solicitors provide comprehensive services for European nationals navigating UK immigration post-Brexit. From EU Settlement Scheme applications to new visa routes, we ensure successful outcomes for all European citizens seeking to live, work, or join family in the UK. Contact us today: 0203 909 8399 | Book a Consultation
UK Immigration for Europeans Post-Brexit
Since Brexit, European nationals face new immigration requirements. While those resident before December 31, 2020, can apply under the EU Settlement Scheme, new arrivals must use standard UK visa routes. Our expert team guides Europeans through both legacy EU rights and new immigration pathways, ensuring compliant applications and protecting your right to remain.
When Do Europeans Need Immigration Support?
You need our expertise when:
- Applying to the EU Settlement Scheme
- Upgrading pre-settled to settled status
- Bringing family members to the UK
- Arriving in UK for first time post-Brexit
- Appealing EUSS refusals
- Switching from visitor to work visa
EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
Who Can Apply
- EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens
- Family members of EU citizens
- Those resident in UK by 31 December 2020
- Joining family members (in some cases)
- Children born in UK to EU parents
- Derivative rights holders
Settled Status
Granted if you have:
- 5 years continuous UK residence
- Started residence before 31 Dec 2020
- Not absent over 6 months per year
- Indefinite leave to remain equivalent
- Can be lost if outside UK 5+ years
Pre-Settled Status
Granted if you have:
- Less than 5 years UK residence
- Started residence before deadline
- Valid for 5 years
- Must apply to upgrade before expiry
- Can be lost if outside UK 2+ years
Late EUSS Applications
Reasonable Grounds
Late applications accepted with:
- Medical reasons
- Lack of capacity
- Being a child
- Modern slavery victim
- Domestic abuse situations
- Other compelling circumstances
Evidence Required
- Explanation for delay
- Medical evidence if relevant
- Professional support letters
- Timeline of circumstances
- Documentary proof of reasons
Family Members of EU Citizens
Joining Family Members
Can apply if relationship began:
- Before 31 December 2020, or
- Child born after deadline
- Primary carer of EU citizen child
- Dependent relative in some cases
Required Evidence
- Relationship documents
- EU citizen’s status proof
- Dependency evidence (if relevant)
- Continuous relationship proof
- Cohabitation evidence
Frontier Workers
Who Qualifies
- EU citizens working in UK
- Living in EU/EEA/Switzerland
- Working in UK by 31 Dec 2020
- Continuing employment/self-employment
- Regular cross-border movement
Permit Benefits
- Enter UK for work
- Valid for 5 years
- Renewable permit
- Family members can visit
- Healthcare access
New Visa Routes for Europeans
Skilled Worker Visa
Europeans now need:
- Job offer from licensed sponsor
- Minimum salary threshold (£38,700)
- English language requirement
- Visa fees and IHS payment
- Same rules as non-EU nationals
Student Visa
European students require:
- CAS from education provider
- Financial evidence (£1,483/month London)
- English language proof
- Visa application fees
- Immigration Health Surcharge
Family Visas
For partners/spouses:
- £29,000 income requirement
- English language test
- Genuine relationship evidence
- Accommodation proof
- Standard family visa rules apply
Retained EU Rights
Permanent Residence
Those with pre-Brexit PR:
- Can apply for settled status
- Simpler application process
- Automatic qualification
- Family member rights retained
Historic Cases
- Surinder Singh route (limited)
- Zambrano carers
- Chen carers
- Extended family members
- Unmarried partners pre-2020
Common Issues and Solutions
EUSS Refusals
Common reasons:
- Insufficient residence evidence
- Criminal convictions
- Suitability concerns
- Relationship not proven
- Gap in continuous residence
Status Verification
- Digital status only
- View and prove online service
- Share codes for employers
- Share codes for landlords
- Travel document issues
Travel After Brexit
- Valid passport required
- No ID cards from October 2021
- Status tied to passport
- Update details when renewed
- 90/180 day rule for visits
Appeals and Administrative Reviews
EUSS Appeals
- 28 days to appeal
- First-tier Tribunal
- Human rights grounds
- EU law arguments (limited)
- Fresh applications possible
Administrative Review
- 28 days to request
- Case worker error only
- No new evidence
- Online application
- £80 fee (refunded if successful)
Children and Young People
Children’s Applications
- Born in UK to EU parents
- Automatic settled status possible
- Both parents’ status relevant
- Care arrangements if separated
- Educational continuity
Looked After Children
- Local authority applications
- Care leaver support
- Extended deadlines
- Additional assistance available
Future Status Security
Maintaining Status
- Avoid excessive absences
- Update contact details
- Renew pre-settled status timely
- Keep evidence of residence
- Report passport changes
Path to Citizenship
- Settled status for 12 months
- Meet residence requirements
- Pass Life in UK test
- English language proof
- Good character requirement
Visa Fees for Europeans 2025
New Applications
- EUSS applications: Free
- Skilled Worker visa: £719-£1,420
- Student visa: £490
- Family visa: £1,846 (outside UK)
- Visit visa: £115
Additional Costs
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035/year
- Priority service: £500-£1,000
- Admin review: £80
- Biometric appointment: £19.20
Our Services for European Nationals
EUSS Applications
- Initial applications
- Late application support
- Pre-settled to settled upgrades
- Family member applications
- Complex residence cases
- Digital status assistance
New Visa Routes
- Work visa applications
- Student visa guidance
- Family visa preparation
- Business visa options
- Switching status advice
Appeals and Challenges
- EUSS refusal appeals
- Administrative reviews
- Fresh applications
- Judicial review
- Human rights claims
- Suitability challenges
Why Choose Connaught Law
- SRA regulated solicitors
- EU law specialists
- EUSS experts since 2019
- Multilingual team
- Fixed fee services
- Emergency support available
Our European Team
- Native European language speakers
- Former EU law practitioners
- Settlement scheme experts
- Complex case specialists
- Family reunion experts
- Appeals success record
Client Support Services
- Document translation
- Digital status management
- Employer verification assistance
- Housing support letters
- Benefits eligibility advice
- Travel documentation
Next Steps
Secure your UK status with expert European immigration guidance. Our specialist solicitors understand both EU Settlement Scheme complexities and new visa requirements for Europeans. Whether protecting existing rights or pursuing new UK opportunities, we ensure successful outcomes. Call 0203 909 8399 or Book Online for your consultation.
Free EUSS application assistance. Fixed fees for visa applications. Emergency support available. Multilingual services in major European languages.