Using the European passport return service with your EEA Permanent Residence application

European Economic Area (EEA) nationals can use the European passport return service to retain their passports when submitting their EEA Permanent Residence application. This service allows many EEA nationals to retain their passports so that they can show their proof of right to work in the United Kingdom and for travelling purposes.

What is the European passport return service?

The European passport return service is a unique service which allows EEA nationals to retain their passports when submitting their EEA Permanent Residence applications or EEA Registration Certificate applications. Prior to the European passport return service, EEA nationals and their family members (where applicable) had to submit their original passports with their applications. This left many EEA nationals with problems in respect of travelling outside the United Kingdom especially those who were required to travel for work purposes. The European passport return service is provided by local authorities across the United Kingdom.

It should be noted that the European passport return service does not impact the processing time of an application.

How does the European passport return service operate?

In order to use the European passport service, EEA nationals are required to contact a participating local authority and book an appointment. An appointment must be booked within 10 working days from the date of the online submission. It is advised that the appointment is booked before the submission of the online form because recent reports suggest that the local authorities are struggling to cope with the demand for this service. Once an appointment has been booked the EEA national Applicants are required to take their supporting documents including their passports to the local authority. The local authority will then copy and verify the passports and send the same to the Home Office. Applicants must still submit their original National identity cards and the supporting documents with the application in their original form.

What is the fee and procedure for using the European passport return service?

The fee for using the European passport return service varies depending on the local authority. The average fee for this service ranges from £15 to £30 per Applicant. On the day of the appointment, Applicants must provide their passports, a copy of their checklist and the supporting document (originals) and a printed copy of the online application form. In extreme circumstances, it is possible for the Home Office to contact Applicants and request for the original passport to be sent via post to them. However, this will only happen where there are issues with credibility or the verified copy is not acceptable.

Using Legal Representation to submit an EEA Permanent Residence Application

Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit an EEA Permanent Residence application.

Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your EEA Permanent Residence succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.

This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your Standard Visitor Visa application meets the Immigration Rules.

Successful EEA Permanent Residence Applications

Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your EEA Permanent Residence application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of your application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.

We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. LEXVISA is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is the key to a successful application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.

Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.

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