Form EEA QP can be completed by EEA or Swiss nationals who wish to register as a ‘qualified person’ and apply for a registration certificate confirming their right of residence in the UK.
A qualified person is an individual who has exercised their Treaty rights as either a worker, self-employed, self-sufficient, student or a jobseeker.
The EEA QP is only for consideration for a registration certificate for EEA nationals. It is not possible to include family members on this application form. They instead are to complete either form EEA FM, or extended members should use form EEA EFM.
Whether you are applying for the registration certificate to enable a non-EEA family member to apply for a residence card, or because you wish to apply for permanent residency in the UK, there is a lot to consider to avoid a delayed or rejected application.
Completing form EEA QP
It is not a mandatory requirement to complete form EEA QP to apply for a registration certificate as a qualified person, but using the form can help to ensure you provide all the required information.
If applying without the form, you are still required to submit the relevant supporting documents and pay the requisite application fee.
If applying with the form, you can use the online version or complete a paper version. When sending your form and documents to the Home Office, it is advisable to use special or recorded delivery.
You may also apply in person, for a fee of £610, at a premium service centre, where you must take all forms and supporting documentation with you.
Should you have a change of circumstances during the application process, such as a name change or change of address or employer, you must inform the Home Office immediately and provide any relevant documentation to support this change.
What supporting documentation will be required?
All supporting documents need to be in their original format.
You will need to provide 2 valid passport-sized photographs of yourself with your name clearly written on the back. It will also be necessary to provide either a valid passport or a valid national identity card.
You will need to provide evidence that you are a qualified person when submitting your application. If insufficient evidence is supplied, then your application my be delayed or refused.
If in employment, your employer should complete the relevant section on the form or provide a letter, dated and signed, containing your employer’s full contact details.
You will also need to provide proof of your income, for at least 3 months. If you have been employed for less than 3 months, you will need to provide all income details since the employment began, and any previous employment details.
If you were previously employed but have retained worker status, prior to filing the EEA QP form, you will be required to show evidence of the employment, income and date started and finished along with the reason for termination. This could be due to an employer ceasing to trade, temporary incapacity, vocational training or involuntary unemployed job seeker.
Self-employed applicants will need evidence of their income. You will need to provide your tax returns and proof of any payments made. You will also be required to show any national insurance contributions and present your national insurance details. The list of evidence required is substantial for this category. It is therefore advisable to seek legal advice to ensure you have everything you need to prove your self-employed status.
Temporary incapacity will require proof from a medical practitioner giving evidence of any illness or injury. You will also need to provide evidence of any benefits received.
Those who are claiming EEA QP Registration Certificate as a self-sufficient resident will be required to prove that they have sufficient financial resources. Whether this is via bank statements, wage slips or self employment records or via another independent source. Again, take advice to ensure you meet the required tests.
Students will need proof that they are enrolled on a course, which must be from an official school/college or university, with date and signature and details of the education centre attended. You will need to provide evidence, eg bank statements or grants/scholarships, that you can support yourself and will not be a burden on the UK social assistance system.
Job Seekers must prove that they are actively seeking employment and that they have a good chance of finding it. Employment centres will be able to help provide this evidence, as well as any rejection letters or invitations for job interviews.
Once your application has been received, the Home Office will usually give a decision within 12 weeks.
Common pitfalls when completing form EEA QP
Incorrect or false information on your application can result in delays or even rejected applications.
Likewise, if insufficient evidence is supplied with the form to demonstrate you are a qualified person, your application and fee will be returned to you minus an administration fee.
DavidsonMorris can assist with form EEA QP
As there is so much at stake when applying for an EEA QP Registration Certificate, it is important to get it right. Seeking legal advice will enables a much smoother process and enhance your chances of a positive outcome.
Contact our team of experts with any queries relating to form EEA QP or any other aspect of UK permanent residence or your immigration status.
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
