EU Family Member or Dependent Visa: Join Your Loved Ones in the UK
If you are a family member or dependent of an EU national, you may be eligible to join your loved one in the UK. The UK’s EU Settlement Scheme allows family members and dependents of EU citizens to apply for pre-settled status or settled status based on their relationship with the EU national. If you’re considering moving to the UK to live with an EU family member, understanding the process and eligibility for a family member or dependent visa is crucial.
At Lawfinity Solicitors, we are here to guide you through the complexities of applying for this visa. Our expert immigration lawyers will provide tailored advice and ensure your application is submitted successfully, giving you the best chance of reuniting with your family in the UK.
What is the EU Family Member or Dependent Visa?
The EU family member or dependent visa enables the close family members of EU nationals (who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme) to join them in the UK. These family members may include:
- Spouses or civil partners
- Unmarried partners (in a durable relationship)
- Children under 21 (biological or adopted)
- Dependent parents or grandparents
This visa ensures that family reunification can happen smoothly, allowing families to stay together in the UK, regardless of their nationality.
Eligibility Requirements for EU Family Member or Dependent Visa
To be eligible for this visa, the following conditions must be met:
- Relationship to the EU National: You must be a family member (spouse, child, parent, etc.) or dependent of an EU national who is living in the UK and has pre-settled or settled status.
- Proof of Relationship: You must provide proof of your relationship with the EU national. This could include marriage certificates, civil partnership certificates, or proof of cohabitation and dependency.
- Living Together: For some relationships, particularly for unmarried partners, you may need to demonstrate that you have been living together for at least two years.
- Residence Requirement: The EU national must be either living in the UK or planning to move to the UK, and they should be able to demonstrate that they have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
How to Apply for the EU Family Member or Dependent Visa
Applying for the EU Family Member or Dependent Visa typically involves the following steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the family member or dependent visa. Our team at Lawfinity Solicitors can assist with verifying your eligibility.
Step 2: Gather Documents
You’ll need to provide:
- Proof of Identity: Passport or national ID card.
- Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other official documentation to prove your family link.
- Proof of Residence: Evidence that the EU national has pre-settled or settled status.
Step 3: Submit Online Application
Submit your application online through the UK government’s official immigration website. If you need assistance with the online form, we are here to help ensure everything is correctly filled out.
Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment
You may need to attend a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints and photograph will be taken for identification purposes.
Step 5: Await a Decision
Once your application is submitted, the UK Home Office will process it. Processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Benefits of EU Family Member or Dependent Visa
The EU Family Member or Dependent Visa provides several benefits for you and your family:
- Live in the UK: You’ll have the right to live in the UK and stay with your loved ones.
- Work and Study: You are eligible to work and study in the UK while holding this visa.
- Access Public Services: You can access services such as the NHS and other public benefits.
- Path to Settled Status: After residing in the UK for five years, you may be eligible to apply for settled statusunder the EU Settlement Scheme, giving you permanent residency.
What Happens if Your Application is Refused?
If your EU family member or dependent visa application is refused, you may have the option to challenge the decision through an administrative review or appeal. At Lawfinity Solicitors, our team can advise you on your best course of action and guide you through the appeals process.
FAQs About the Graduate Visa
1. an Unmarried Partner Apply for an EU Family Member Visa?
Yes, unmarried partners can apply for an EU Family Member Visa if they can prove they have been in a durable relationship for at least two years. The Home Office will assess your relationship and living arrangements.
2. Can My Child Apply for a Family Member Visa?
Yes, children under 21 can apply for a family member visa if they are a direct dependent of an EU national with settled or pre-settled status.
3. How Long Does It Take to Process the Application?
Processing times can vary, but typically, it takes around 8 weeks for a decision on the application. Delays may occur if additional information or documentation is required.
4. Can I Work with an EU Family Member Visa?
Yes, you can work and study in the UK while on the EU Family Member Visa.
5. What If I Want to Extend My Visa?
If you want to extend your visa or transition to settled status after 5 years, we can assist you in applying for settled status once you become eligible.
Why Choose Lawfinity Solicitors?
At Lawfinity Solicitors, we have extensive experience in immigration law, particularly in assisting EU nationals and their family members with the EU family member or dependent visa application process. Our team will ensure your application is thoroughly prepared, increasing the chances of a successful outcome. If your application is refused, we also provide appeal and administrative review services to challenge the decision.
If you are looking to apply for an EU Family Member Visa or dependent visa, contact us today for expert guidance and support. We are here to help you bring your loved ones to the UK and navigate the immigration system seamlessly.
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