EEA Family Permit & Appeals

The EEA Family Permit was once a key route for non-EEA family members of European nationals to join or accompany their loved ones in the UK. Since Brexit and the end of EU freedom of movement, the route has been replaced by the EU Settlement Scheme family permit, yet thousands of families are still navigating the transition or appealing refused applications. Whether you’re applying under the current rules or challenging a past decision, understanding your legal position is crucial — and professional support can be the difference between success and disappointment. At Stretton Solicitors, we specialise in helping families reunite and remain together in the UK, even through complex or disputed immigration matters.

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Family Permit allows eligible non-UK family members of EEA or Swiss citizens to join their relatives in the UK. It is typically used for spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, children, parents, and other dependent relatives. The permit is free of charge and designed to facilitate family unity under the post-Brexit immigration framework. To qualify, the EEA family member must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, and the relationship must have existed before the end of the Brexit transition period (31 December 2020), unless it falls under specific exceptions. Although the route is now more defined, many applicants struggle with evidence requirements, application procedures, or proving dependency — especially in cross-border or long-distance situations.

Many EUSS Family Permit applications are refused not because applicants are ineligible, but because of technical or evidential shortcomings. Common reasons include inadequate proof of the family relationship, unclear documentation of dependency, missing translations, or inconsistencies in application forms. In some cases, the Home Office interprets the rules narrowly, particularly for unmarried partners or extended family members. These refusals can be disheartening — but they are not the end of the road. At Stretton Solicitors, we frequently assist clients in challenging refusals, resolving documentation gaps, and preparing stronger re-applications or appeals that give families a fair chance to reunite.

If your application for an EUSS Family Permit has been refused, you may have the right to appeal the decision — especially if it involves a breach of your rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement or human rights law. Our team will carefully review the refusal letter, assess your legal options, and advise whether an administrative review, reapplication, or full immigration appeal is the most appropriate route. We handle the appeal process from start to finish, including evidence gathering, legal submissions, and representation before the First-tier Tribunal if needed. With years of experience in EEA family and human rights cases, we are committed to securing fair outcomes and helping you reunite with your loved ones.

In cases where EUSS Family Permit appeals fall outside standard rules or are time-barred, it may still be possible to argue the case under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights — the right to respect for private and family life. These appeals can be complex, requiring compelling evidence of family ties, dependency, and the disproportionate impact of separation. Our solicitors understand how to build strong, persuasive arguments that give your appeal the best chance of success, especially in cases involving children, vulnerable family members, or long-standing relationships. If your family’s future is at stake, we are here to stand by your side with expert legal representation.

If you’re facing delays, uncertainty, or a refusal in your EEA or EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit application, don’t face it alone. At Stretton Solicitors, we have the experience and legal insight to help you reunite with your family and protect your rights under the law. Contact us today to discuss your situation in confidence and take the next step toward securing your future in the UK.