What’s the Usual Processing Time for an EEA Permanent Residence Application?

Applying for EEA permanent residence can seem a daunting process to many, and understandably so. There is an 85 pages long form that needs to be filled correctly the very first time; plus, the process requires extensive documentation to be submitted in support of the application. Filling the form and compiling the documents in the right order is no easy task.

With so much time and effort invested in the application, and so much at stake, it’s only reasonable for applicants to ask how long the permanent residence processing time will be.

The Processing Time for an EEA Permanent Residence Application

The processing time for an EEA permanent residence application is not fixed, although the Home Office would tell you otherwise; it varies with application to application.

The Home Office places a standard 6-month waiting time on processing an EEA permanent residence application, but we’ve seen cases where applications have been processed in as little as few weeks, while some taking up to 8 months to be processed.

There are many possible reasons that account for these variations in the timescale:

• Absent or incorrect documentation
• An applicant having complicated personal circumstances that may require additional evidence and explanation
• An application inciting additional security checks
• Following the decision to Brexit, the Home Office has been receiving unprecedented volumes of permanent residence applications which has impacted the service and processing time.

What can you do, as an applicant,to make sure your application is processed in timely manner?

• Make sure you complete the form and don’t leave any information incomplete. Consult an experienced UK immigration solicitor when filling the form to avoid any errors.
• Always double check your form before submitting it. If English is not your first language, it’s advisable to get your form reviewed from a native speaker to ensure every question on the form has been answered correctly.
• Check all the supporting documents and make sure they are compiled in the right order.
• Pay the correct application fee; the fee is £65 per person.

Rest assured, you’ll receive your EEA permanent residence certificate within the standard 6-month time window and you can continue to live and work in the UK without any legal issues.

Do you need any legal help in completing your EEA permanent residence application form?

Feel free to reach out; our friendly UK immigration solicitors will be happy to help you.