The United Kingdom allows the nationals of the European Economic Area a free passage between all the member states. An EEA national who is economically functional and live in the UK or intends to stay in the United Kingdom are allowed to sponsor a fiancé, dependent child, parent, unmarried partner, grandparents, great-grandparents, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Moreover, the dependents of those who are nationals of Non-EEA countries(who are enjoying their Treaty rights in the United Kingdom), are allowed to apply for a family permit to stay in the UK for the duration of 5 years.
The EEA family visa holders are allowed to study and work in addition to living in the United Kingdom. Besides, if the applicants meet the additional criteria, they can qualify to apply for British nationality and Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Basic Requirements
The United Kingdom immigration authorities have set some prerequisites for acquiring a family visa. If you want to apply for EEA family Visa, you must meet those requirements.
In the case of partners and spouses, both the dependent and the sponsor must be more than 18 years of age. Besides, they should have a genuine relationship.
For the family members other than spouses and partners, the applicants are required to prove that they are truly dependent on the EEA relative.
EEA Family Visa Entitlements
The length of the validity period for the EEA Family visa varies. It depends upon the information that you submit to demonstrate for how much time the EEA family members intend to exercise their treaty rights in the United Kingdom. The maximum duration of the permitted time is 5 years.
The visa holders under this category are permitted to study and work anywhere in the UK in addition to living there.
If the EEA family visa holders meet all the requirements and complete their 5 years period in the United Kingdom, they qualify for applying for the Indefinite Leave to Remain. The ILR allows qualified applicants to enjoy permanent residency in the United Kingdom. Besides, they get to enjoy the visa-free journey from and to the UK. Also, the ILR holders can also apply for citizenship of the UK. They can also sponsor the non-British relatives to come and stay in the United Kingdom.