January 2021, new immigration rules apply to European nationals who wish to live and work in the UK. At Halliday Reeves we can advise you of your rights and those of your family and work with you to obtain settled status or a visa so that you can stay in the UK or move here from overseas.
Following the end of the transition period for the UK to leave the European Union, those from the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) will need to comply with new regulations for living in and entering Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
This means that if you are an EU or EEA national, you will need to apply for permission to stay in the UK after 31 December 2020. We can advise you of the right route to take and prepare the application on your behalf to ensure it has the best chance of success.
To speak to one of our expert immigration lawyers, ring us on 0330 133 7777, email us at enquiries@hallidayreeves.com or fill in our Contact Form.
Application to stay in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme
If you have been living in the UK continuously for the past five years, you are entitled to apply for settled status. If you have not been here for five years yet, you are classed as pre-settled and if you wish you can stay for five years to have the right to apply for settled status.
Both settled and pre-settled status will entitle you and some of your family to live and work in the UK and to enter and leave the UK.
Once you have lived in the UK for a year with settled status, you can apply to become a naturalised British citizen or immediately after acquiring settled status if married to a British citizen.
EU citizens have until 30 June 2021 to apply to continue living in the UK.
Permission for your family to stay in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme
If your family are living in the UK with you, then you can also make an application for them to have settled status.
If they are currently living abroad, the following family members can apply for a family permit to enter and, once they are living in the UK, for pre-settled status: a spouse or civil partner, an unmarried partner whom you have been with for two years, a child or grandchild of you or your spouse aged under 21 who is dependent upon you and a parent or grandparent of you or your spouse who is financially dependent upon you.
They will not be able to join you in the UK until they have either a family permit or a work, student or family visa. A family permit allows entry into the UK for a visit or to take up residence and expires after six months.
Other family members will need to be living with you in the UK by 31 December 2020 to be entitled to apply for pre-settled or settled status. This includes children aged over 21, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.
Visas for EU or EEA nationals to live, work or study in the UK
For those who want to come to the UK from the EU or EEA but do not want to settle here permanently, a visa will be needed. This could be to live, work or study in the UK or obtain medical treatment.
Applying for the right to be in the UK for yourself and your family can be complicated. At Halliday Reeves, we specialise in immigration law and nothing else, meaning all of our lawyers are experts in the field. We aim to get you the result you need so that you and your family can be together in the UK. Our team are friendly and approachable and we work hard to make sure the process is as stress-free as possible for you.
We offer a free 15-minute enquiry service to discuss your needs and advise you the best course of action in your circumstances.
Make A Free Enquiry
For immigration advice from the specialist immigration solicitors, please call or
message us now on 0330 1337777 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
“Halliday Reeves has consistently provided a professional, thorough and efficient service in all immigration matters that we have had to address for our business. Conduct and confidentiality has been paramount at all times. Our business needs will require an ongoing service from Halliday Reeves. We will have no hesitation in using their services again.”
The Jinja Tree Restaurant
