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European Nationals

Home » Immigration » European Nationals

European Union stars over map of Europe – EU nationals immigration concept.

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.

We’re here to help.
Book your consultation with Connaught Law today.
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