Navigating the New Rules: Answering Questions for European Families in the Post-Brexit Era

Your Question: "My family and I assumed we could use the old eea family permit system to join my European partner in the UK. Now that we know this route is closed, we are completely lost. Can you give us some real-world examples to help us understand how families like ours can navigate this new, confusing system?"

This is a question we are hearing every day from families across Europe and the world. The confusion is completely understandable. For decades, the process of joining an EU/EEA family member in the UK was governed by the relatively straightforward principle of free movement. The end of this system following Brexit has left many feeling adrift, unsure of what their options are, if any.

The old, simple map has been replaced by a new, much more complex one. The correct path for you now depends entirely on your family's specific history, particularly key dates. At Immigration Solicitors4me, we are specialists in this new post-Brexit landscape. To answer your question and bring some clarity, here are three common scenarios that illustrate the new reality for European families.

A Quick Recap: Why is the Old System Gone?

It is essential to remember that the eea family permit was a document that existed under EU law. When the UK left the European Union, EU free movement law ceased to apply. This means that the old rights-based, low-cost route for non-European family members to join their EU partners in the UK no longer exists for new applicants. The UK has replaced it with its own domestic rules.

Scenario 1: The Recently Married Couple

• The Situation:"My partner is a French citizen who has been living and working in the UK since 2019 and has Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). We got married in 2023. Can I now join her in the UK?"


• The Post-Brexit Analysis:This is a crucial point. Because the marriage took place after the Brexit cut-off date of 31 December 2020, the non-European partner is generally not eligible to apply under the more generous EUSS rules. The relationship is considered to have been formed after the UK's departure.


• The New Pathway:This couple must now use the UK's domestic Immigration Rules. The correct application would be for a Spouse Visa, the same route used by the spouse of a British citizen. This means they will have to meet all the demanding requirements, including the high financial income threshold, the English language test, and paying the substantial application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Scenario 2: The Long-Term, Established Family

• The Situation:"My Spanish partner has lived and worked in the UK since 2018 and has full Settled Status under the EUSS. We have been married since 2015, and our children were born in 2016 and 2018. Can we, as his non-European family, finally join him now?"


• The Post-Brexit Analysis:This scenario is completely different. Because the marriage and the birth of the children all occurred before the 31 December 2020 cut-off date, this family is likely to be eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme as "joining family members."


• The New Pathway:They can apply for an EUSS Family Permit to travel to the UK. This route, unlike the old eea family permit, is specifically for joining a family member who is covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. The benefits are immense: there is no application fee, no financial requirement to meet, no English language test, and no health surcharge to pay.

The Key Lesson: It Is All About the Dates

As these two scenarios show, the single most important factor in determining your eligibility is the date your relationship was formed (e.g., marriage or when you began living together) and the date your European partner started living in the UK. This is what separates those who can still benefit from the old system via the EUSS from those who must now navigate the UK's much tougher domestic rules.

Our Role at Immigration Solicitors4me: Providing Clarity in a Confusing Time

The post-Brexit immigration landscape for families is a legal minefield. Trying to guess the correct route for your family based on online forums is a huge risk that can lead to a costly and heart-breaking refusal. At Immigration Solicitors4me, our role is to act as your expert navigators. We will conduct a detailed assessment of your family's unique history and timeline to determine, with legal certainty, which pathway applies to you.

The simple map provided by the eea family permit is gone forever. To read the new, more complex map correctly, you need an expert legal guide. Contact the post-Brexit specialists at Immigration Solicitors4me today for a full assessment of your family's situation.