EEA Family Permit

[haseeb198]

Hi,

I am hoping if someone can help me. I applied for EEA family permit for my wife a month ago and i am waiting for the decision. But in the meantime i am in the middle of becoming British citizen. I have received the letter from home office today that my application for British Citizenship has been approved. Will it have any effect on my wife EEA Family permit application if i become a British Citizen. Although, I will be still a European National at the same time.

Thanks for your help.

[Casa]

As dual EU/British citizen you will be unable to sponsor your wife under the EEA Regulations. However, you won't have British citizenship until you have attended your BC ceremony.

[haseeb198]

Hi Casa,

Thanks for your reply. So what will happen if my wife's current application for EEA family permit is approved? Will she be able to travel on family permit visa before or after the ceremony? Since family permit is not a settlement visa once she is here can i convert the EEA family permit into British Spouse visa. Will it work this way?

Thanks for your help.

[Casa]

A Family Permit can take 6 months before a decision is received. In my opinion, wiser to apply for a Spouse Settlement visa once you have attended your British citizenship ceremony. The ability to switch immigration routes from within the UK is by no means guaranteed.

Even if she is granted the FP, she will be unable to apply for Residence Card once she is in the UK as you will no longer be able to sponsor her under the EEA Regulations.

Also bear in mind that you have limited time in which to attend your ceremony before the approval of British citizenship is rescinded.

[haseeb198]

Thanks a lot for your help and advice. It does make a lot of sense to just apply for British Spouse settlement visa once attended the ceremony. Thanks

[Casa]

Do ensure that you meet all the requirements, including the minimum annual income level of £18,600. Your wife will also need to pass the A1 level English test unless she's from an exempt country or has a degree taught in English with a NARIC Red route comparison.

https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa