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.