Applying for a UK Residence Card: What You Need to Know

For people from outside the EU who’re looking for a better life for their families, the United Kingdom remains a desirable destination. According to statistics, over 71,000 people were granted permanent UK residence in the year ending March 2018. This marked a 23% increase from the previous year.

When it comes to obtaining permanent UK residence, there are various routes you can take—with a UK residence card being one of them. Over the course of this article, we’ll tell you all there’s to know about UK residence cards, including who can apply for it, the eligibility criteria, and the application process.

What is a Permanent Residence Card?

If you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years or more, you’re eligible for a permanent residence card. However, a residence card is only needed for confirming your residence status, if:

• you’re related to someone from Switzerland or the European Economic Area, but you aren’t a Swiss or EEA citizen yourself.
• you’re looking to apply for British citizenship
• you want to sponsor your partner or spouse’s visa application under the Immigration Rules.

The Eligibility Criteria

In order to become eligible for a UK permanent residence card, both the following factors have to apply:

• you’ve lived in United Kingdom with your EEA relative for a continuous period of 5 years.
• your EEA relative has a permanent right of residence or has been a “qualified person” for the 5 years you have been in the UK.

It’s also possible to get permanent residence before 5 years if the following conditions are met:

• you were living with your EEA relative who was either self-employed or working in the United Kingdom prior to their death.
• your EEA relative was self-employed or working in the UK but have stopped because of permanent incapacity or retirement, or because they’re now self-employed or working in the EEA state but still hold UK residence.

There are additional conditions you need to meet in order to obtain permanent UK residency.

The Application Process

Qualifying individuals can either fill out the permanent residence card application form and mail it with the required documents to the Home Office or apply online. In addition to a £65 application fee, you also have to pay an additional £19.20 to have your biometric information taken.

One of the best immigration lawyers in London; Wembley Solicitors provide professional support for UK Residence car and immigration applications. You can reach out to us at Wembley Solicitors by calling 020 3417 3700 or shooting an email at info@wembleysolicitors.com.