EU Settlement Scheme Success
Our client (''A''), a non-EEA national, approached our firm after experiencing prolonged uncertainty in the UK regarding his immigration status. He sought lawful residence on the basis of being a joining family member of a relevant EEA citizen, which, following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, required application under the EU Settlement Scheme.
A's application was particularly sensitive due to the need to demonstrate both a durable partnership and continued dependency on his EEA national sponsor. He had entered the UK before the deadline but had not regularised his stay earlier. Without legal status, he was unable to work lawfully, access public services with confidence, or plan for his long-term future in the UK. His relationship with the sponsor pre-dated the end of the Brexit transition period, but the burden of proof required under the post-Brexit regime was high, and previous informal attempts to seek advice had left him anxious and unsupported.
What We Did
We began by conducting a full assessment of A’s eligibility under Appendix EU, specifically paragraph EU3A, which governs applications from joining family members of relevant EEA citizens. Under this rule, an applicant must demonstrate that they are a family member of an EEA citizen with either pre-settled or settled status, and that the relationship existed before 31 December 2020.
Our team carefully reviewed the sponsor’s immigration history and obtained a digital confirmation of their settled status. We then worked with A to compile detailed evidence of the relationship, including cohabitation documents, financial interdependence, shared tenancy agreements, and photographic and written proof covering key periods over the past several years. We also ensured that the timing of A's entry to the UK aligned with his eligibility as a joining family member under the Withdrawal Agreement.
A key challenge was to ensure the Home Office would accept the continuity and validity of the relationship and that A met the residence and identity verification criteria. We supported the application with legal representations referencing guidance on joining family members, and ensured all supporting documentation complied with Home Office requirements, including linking the digital identity profile to his valid travel document and ensuring access to the UKVI online eVisa system.
Throughout the process, we maintained regular contact with the Home Office, followed up to prevent delays, and provided further clarification where needed.
The Outcome
On 23 May 2025, A was granted pre-settled status valid until 24 May 2030. This allows him to live, work, and study in the UK, access the NHS, and apply for public funds where eligible. He now has a clear pathway to apply for settled status after completing five years of continuous residence in the UK. This immigration status entitles him to:
Reside in the UK lawfully
Work and study without restriction
Access NHS healthcare
Apply for public funds (if eligible)
Travel freely in and out of the UK
Apply for settled status after completing five years of continuous residence
Our client provided us with the following review once the matter had concluded.
This firm absolutely deserves more than a 5-star rating. The communication with me through this journey was highly amazing. Their professional expertise is second to none. When my situation became very difficult, their legal framework and friendly engagement deposited so much confidence in me that finally saw me through today. I recommend this great firm to all and sundry. I can conveniently vouch for them because I am a living witness of this.
Brigesa Ujkaj wrote this article.
If you would like to find out more about the EU Settlement Scheme, and whether you can apply for it get in touch.