The EEA EFM Form was previously used by extended family members of European Economic Area (EEA) nationals to apply for a residence card or registration certificate in the UK. It was designed for individuals who did not fall into the category of direct family members, such as spouses or dependent children, but still had a close connection to an EEA national.
The EEA EFM residence card provided formal recognition of their right to reside in the UK under EU free movement rules, which were in place before Brexit.
Since the UK left the European Union, immigration rules have changed significantly. The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) has replaced previous residence schemes for EEA nationals and their families. As a consequence of these reforms, the EEA EFM Form is no longer accepted, and residence cards issued under it are no longer valid.
The removal of the EEA EFM Form and residence cards has significantly changed the rights of extended family members of EEA nationals. Those who were previously granted residence through this route must check their current immigration status and take steps to ensure they hold a valid right to remain in the UK. The rules for extended family members under the EU Settlement Scheme differ from those for direct family members, meaning some individuals who held a residence card in the past may not qualify for Settled Status. Others may need to apply for an alternative visa if they wish to remain in the UK.
What is the EEA EFM Form?
The EEA EFM was an application form used by extended family members of EEA nationals to apply for a UK residence card in the UK. Extended family members included unmarried partners in a durable relationship, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives who were dependent on the EEA national or part of their household. Unlike direct family members, extended family applicants had to provide additional evidence to prove their eligibility, such as financial dependency or proof that they had been living in the same household as the EEA national for an extended period.
Applying through the EEA EFM Form allowed these individuals to obtain a residence card, which confirmed their right to live and work in the UK under EU free movement rules. The card was useful when dealing with employers, landlords or public services, as it provided official recognition of their immigration status. However, unlike direct family members, extended family members did not have an automatic right to reside in the UK and needed to show that their application met the eligibility criteria.
The EEA EFM residence card did not grant indefinite stay. It was typically issued for five years, after which the holder could apply for permanent residence, provided they continued to meet the requirements. Many extended family members used this route to remain in the UK while living with or relying on their EEA national relative.
Is the EEA EFM Form still valid?
The EEA EFM Form is no longer valid in the UK. The EU Settlement Scheme has replaced the previous residence card process for extended family members of European Economic Area (EEA) nationals.
Applications using the EEA EFM Form were only accepted before 31 December 2020. Any residence cards issued under this process became invalid after 30 June 2021, unless the holder successfully applied for Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status under the EUSS.
Extended family members who did not apply for the EUSS before the deadline may no longer have a valid right to remain in the UK unless they qualify under a different visa category.
Employers, landlords and government services no longer accept EEA EFM residence cards as proof of status. Those who still hold an EEA EFM residence card but have not switched to Settled Status may face difficulties when applying for jobs, renting a home or accessing healthcare, as online checks are now the standard method for proving immigration status.
For individuals who missed the EU Settlement Scheme deadline, late applications may still be considered. The Home Office assesses these applications on a case-by-case basis, but a strong reason must be provided for not applying earlier. Those who are unable to apply under the EUSS may need to explore other visa options.
What should you do if you previously held an EEA EFM Residence Card?
Extended family members of EEA nationals who previously held an EEA EFM residence card must ensure they now have a valid immigration status in the UK.
Those who successfully applied for Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status under the EUSS before the deadline can continue living in the UK. Settled Status allows permanent residence, while Pre-Settled Status is temporary but, under new rules, is automatically converted to full Settled Status for eligible individuals, after five years of continuous residence. Individuals in this category should check their Home Office digital status to ensure they have the correct proof when required.
For those who held an EEA EFM residence card but did not apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, it is more than likely that you will need to take action to regularise your status in the UK. The deadline for most EUSS applications was 30 June 2021, but in some cases, late applications may still be accepted. The Home Office considers late applications on a case-by-case basis, and applicants must provide a valid reason for missing the original deadline.
Alternative UK visa options for extended family members
Extended family members of EEA nationals who no longer qualify under the EUSS may need to apply under a different UK visa route. Several routes may be available depending on individual circumstances, including family connections, employment and long-term residence.
The family visa could be an option for those with a British or settled family member. It applies to spouses, partners, children and dependent adults, such as parents needing care. Unlike the old EEA EFM residence card, this visa has stricter eligibility requirements, including financial and English language criteria.
For those who wish to stay in the UK for work, the Skilled Worker Visa is a possible route. This visa requires a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor and meets minimum salary and skill level requirements. It provides a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years, allowing permanent residence in the UK.
Individuals who have lived in the UK for a long time may qualify under the 10-year long residence route, provided they meet the residency and good character requirements.
Some may also be eligible for the UK Ancestry Visa, which is available to Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK.
Each visa route has specific requirements, and those considering an application should check which category best suits their circumstances.
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DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. For advice on your specific circumstances, contact us.
EEA EFM FAQs
Is the EEA EFM Form still valid in the UK?
The EEA EFM Form is no longer valid. Following Brexit, the UK ended EU free movement, and residence cards issued under this form stopped being recognised after 30 June 2021.
Who was eligible to apply using the EEA EFM Form?
The form was used by extended family members of EEA nationals, including unmarried partners in durable relationships, dependent relatives such as siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family members who could prove dependency or shared residence.
What replaced the EEA EFM Form?
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) replaced the EEA residence card process. Extended family members of EEA nationals had to apply for Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status under the EUSS before 30 June 2021, though late applications may still be considered in some cases.
Can I still use my EEA EFM residence card as proof of residency?
EEA EFM residence cards are no longer accepted as proof of the right to live and work in the UK. Employers, landlords, and public services now verify status using the Home Office online checking system.
What if I did not apply for the EU Settlement Scheme in time?
A late application may still be possible if a valid reason is provided. The Home Office assesses late applications on a case-by-case basis. Those who missed the deadline should act quickly to avoid legal issues.
Are there alternative visa options for extended family members?
Alternatives include the Family Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, and 10-year long residence route, depending on individual circumstances.
Can I apply for British citizenship if I held an EEA EFM residence card?
British citizenship applications now require Settled Status or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Those who previously relied on an EEA EFM residence card must first secure the correct immigration status before applying for naturalisation.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| EEA EFM Form | A form previously used by extended family members of EEA nationals to apply for a UK residence card before Brexit. |
| Extended Family Member | Relatives such as unmarried partners, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, or other dependents of an EEA national. |
| EEA Residence Card | A document issued to extended family members of EEA nationals confirming their right to live and work in the UK before Brexit. |
| EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) | A scheme introduced after Brexit allowing EEA nationals and their family members to apply for Settled or Pre-Settled Status. |
| Settled Status | A form of indefinite leave under the EUSS, granting permanent residency to those who lived in the UK for at least five years. |
| Pre-Settled Status | A temporary status under the EUSS for those who had not yet completed five years of UK residence at the time of application. |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) | A UK immigration status allowing a person to live, work, and study in the UK permanently without further visa applications. |
| Home Office Online Checking System | A digital service used by employers, landlords, and government services to verify an individual’s immigration status. |
| Family Visa | A visa route allowing individuals to stay in the UK based on their relationship with a British citizen or a settled person. |
| Skilled Worker Visa | A work visa requiring a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor, leading to settlement after five years. |
| Long Residence Route | A pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for individuals who have legally lived in the UK for at least ten continuous years. |
| British Citizenship | The legal status allowing a person to hold a British passport and enjoy full rights as a UK citizen. |
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
