In this article first published by The Federation of European Independent Financial Advisers, Jacqueline Moore, Head of Immigration, explains a time-limited opportunity for certain family members of British citizens to utilise a route known as “Surinder Singh”.

Prior to Brexit, European free movement allowed British citizens to live and work in the EU without restrictions. For those who met and married foreign nationals, relocation “en famille” to the UK previously raised no immigration issues. Now, because of Brexit, returning to the UK has become more complicated.

What is the Surinder Singh route?

The Surinder Singh route forms part of the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). The EUSS is the UK Government’s immigration scheme designed to transition EU nationals and their family members into the same immigration regime that applies to the rest of the world. While the EUSS mainly covers EU nationals living in the UK prior to Brexit, it also includes a lesser known route for British citizens who were living in the EU prior to Brexit.

All applications under the EUSS are free. This nil cost is in stark contrast to other visa applications which involve both a visa fee and an annual levy to use the NHS (known as the Immigration Health Surcharge). As a rough indicator, the cost of an individual securing permanent residence as a partner in the UK (a five-year journey involving three separate visa applications) amounts to approximately £8,500. If non-British step-children are involved this fee applies to each step-child of the family too.

What are the rules for qualifying under the Surinder Singh route?

Firstly, the British citizen has to be a “qualifying British citizen”. This means they must have resided in the EU host country for a minimum period of three months as a worker, self-employed person, student, or on a self-sufficient basis. If residence falls into the latter two categories then an additional requirement to have held Comprehensive Sickness Insurance (CSI) applies.

Secondly, there must be joint residence with the non-British family member in the EU host country.

Thirdly, the residence has to have been “genuine residence” (as opposed to residence set up in order to circumvent other immigration rules) that enabled the qualifying British citizen and their family member to create or strengthen their family life together.

What family members can qualify under the route?

Spouses/civil partners where the marriage or civil partnership took place before 31 January 2020 or, if the marriage/civil partnership took place after 31 January 2020, where they can demonstrate they were in a “durable relationship” before that date.

Durable partners where the relationship was durable before 31 January 2020. “Durable partnerships” are also known as de facto partnerships and are governed by strict rules. Anyone in this category should consider seeking legal advice before proceeding.

Children under the age of 21. Adult children over the age of 21 can also qualify if they can demonstrate dependency.

Other dependent relatives who are currently dependent on the British citizen/and or their non-British partner. This dependency must have existed before 31 December 2020 and must continue to exist at the date of application.

Qualifying family members must continue to be in a relationship with the British citizen at the date of application.

Is there a deadline to use the Surinder Singh route?

Yes, British citizens returning from the EU to the UK with non-British family members must be returning to the UK by 31 March 2022 to qualify. Families returning after that date will have to apply under the UK’s standard immigration route for family members.

How can you apply?

Applications for an EU Family Permit to join or accompany a British citizen in the UK can be made on the UK Government website. Successful applicants are issued with an EU Family Permit which lasts for six months. After entry to the UK and prior to expiry of the Family Permit, holders of the Family Permit can apply for “pre-settled status” under the EUSS. “Pre-settled status” is a five-year visa that allows the holder to live and work in the UK. After five years this can be upgraded to settled status, a type of permanent residence. After this, an application can be made for British citizenship, if desired.

For more information please contact Jacqueline Moore, Head of Immigration, at [email protected].