The ‘Surinder Singh’ route (named after the relevant European Court case) allowed British nationals who had exercised free movement rights (for example, having worked or studied in the EEA) and subsequently established their home in another EEA country so as to bring their spouse to the UK.
The Immigration Rules brought in after Brexit preserved this position and continued to allow family members of such British nationals to apply for a Family Permit under the EU Settlement Scheme, as the family member of a ‘Qualifying British Citizen’.
The Home Office has announced that the EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit will be closed to new applications by family members of qualifying British citizens, effective from 8 August 2023.
The change does not apply to those already in the UK under this route, and these individuals will be permitted to remain in the country and apply for Settled Status, once they meet the relevant requirements.
How Gherson can assist
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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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