If you are an EEA citizen and you have been living in the UK for less than five years, you can apply for EEA Permanent Residence. If you are hoping to apply for permanent residency, you should first apply for an EEA Residence Card. These cards last for five years, after which time you can apply for the EEA PR Card.

If you have recently arrived in the UK and hope to settle down, it makes sense to secure your position by holding a document which states when you arrived. Likewise, if you are worried about the outcome of the Brexit negotiations and want a document that states you are a resident of the UK, the EEA Residence Card is ideal. The card lasts for five years, after which time it is expected that applicants will apply for EEA Permanent Residence Card.

We can help you by answering any questions you have about what an EEA Residence Card is, if you need one, or if Brexit will affect your need for one. One of our highly-qualified lawyers can assess your personal situation and advise you with the most recent changes to EEA law. He/she will also assist you with each part of your application process, consider how your nationality, status and family circumstance will affect your application. Each of our immigration lawyers has an extensive and up-to-date knowledge of immigration and EU law and will use this when guiding you. Get in touch on 0333 363 8577 or make an enquiry online to receive personal advice about your application for an EEA Residence Card now.

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FAQs

Who should apply for the EEA Residence Card?

If you have recently arrived in the UK and hope to settle down, it makes sense to secure your position by holding a document which states when you arrived.

Likewise, if you are worried about the outcome of the Brexit negotiations and want a document that states you are a resident of the UK, the EEA Residence Card is ideal.

The card lasts for five years, after which time it is expected that applicants will apply for EEA Permanent Residence.

Is the EEA Residence Card a visa?

No, the EEA Residence Card refers to EEA immigration law. A visa, on the other hand, is for people who are subject to UK immigration law, such as those from outside the EEA.

You may apply for the card from inside the UK, but you do not need it in order to be able to visit, live or work in the UK. If you are from outside the EEA and do not meet the requirements of the EEA Permanent Residence in the UK, you may need to apply for another UK visa.

How will Brexit impact the EEA Residence Card?

There is currently no change to the law for EEA residents hoping to live and work in the UK. Until the rights of  EU residents living in the UK have been guaranteed, some people are choosing to apply for their Residence or Permanent Residence Card.

The Home Office has not stated that this is necessary, but they have stepped up their efforts to streamline the process through the online system and the European Passport Return Service. There has been increased demand for EEA PR and Residence Cards, which suggests some people are applying for these early, in anticipation of them becoming mandatory.

At this stage, it is not mandatory to apply for a Residence Card, but we can help you with your application if you choose to do so.

How can IAS help?

Applications such as this one can seem very daunting and time-consuming; those considering applying for Residence Cards or PR Cards are often unsure of whether they are mandatory, whether they qualify or what they can be used for.

At IAS we can answer any questions you have, simplifying the EEA Residence Card application process for you, should you decide to apply.

One of our experienced immigration lawyers will:

  • Meet with/contact you within a day of first-contact
  • Walk you through your next steps and requirements
  • Ensure you are eligible for the Residence Card
  • Perform a full document check to ensure that you have sufficient evidence for your application
  • Consult with you in person, via phone or Skype at a suitable time
  • Prepare a Letter of Representation which states your case details and its merits in support of your application. This letter also references relevant UK immigration laws, regulations and cases to support your application
  • Liaise with the Home Office for the duration of your application
  • Complete your application form in full to the highest standard.

Contact us by calling 0333 363 8577 or making an enquiry online to discuss your application for an EEA Residence Card with one of our immigration lawyers.

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Our Residence Card Packages

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Designed to make your visa application as successful, smooth and stress-free as possible

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Fast Track Package

Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline

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Appeal Package

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any hearings/tribunals

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Case studies

We are proud to have changed lives for the better. Here are some of their stories:

Working in the UK after Brexit

Gosia, an EEA national, wanted to tour the UK while seeking work, however, she was unsure if she was permitted to do so.
Gosia contacted IAS and arranged a… Read More

Marta: EEA PR

Marta is a Polish national who arrived in the UK to study four years ago and came close to fulfilling the requirements for Permanent Residency. However, she was unaware of… Read More

Samy: Tier 4 Student Visa

Samy from the Democratic Republic of Congo was accepted into a UK University. However, he had a wife and two daughters and was unsure about leaving his family behind so… Read More

Isabella: British Citizenship

Isabella, a Greek National, was working in the UK and intended to return to Greece for a summer holiday before becoming a student again.
She wanted to become a British… Read More

Mariam: Fleeing Her Home Country

Mariam had escaped her home country following political unrest. When she got to the UK, she was faced with the very difficult asylum process. She was recommended to IAS and… Read More

Asis: EEA Free Movement

Asis, a Spanish national, was offered employment in the UK but was unsure whether or not he would be able to bring his wife and children with him when he… Read More

Latest reviews

Anonymous
Applying for a visa, any kind of visa is an arduous process. IAS was recommended to me by a friend… Read More
Seridne M
Brilliant service and very friendly helpful staff. I have received my letter for my ceremony and it took me only… Read More
Katherine

Excellent service! Would definitely recommend to anyone needing help with immigration issues. Our lawyer was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.

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