Two possible routes (EUSS and Appendix FM), with different rules and costs—explains lawyer Gabriella Bettiga, an immigration expert.
The UK immigration system offers various options for family reunification, including the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and Appendix FM (which means Appendix Family Members). While both allow relatives of British citizens, individuals with indefinite leave to remain, or those with pre-settled status to join them in the UK, the conditions and requirements vary significantly.
Let’s examine the main differences between these two routes.
The EU Settlement Scheme was introduced to ensure that EU citizens with pre-settled or settled status could continue living in the UK after Brexit and be joined by their closest family members, such as spouses or unmarried partners, children under 21, and direct ascendants or descendants (e.g., parents) if they are financially dependent. Dependency generally refers to economic reliance and/or health-related needs.
Appendix FM is part of the UK’s immigration rules governing family reunification for British citizens, individuals with permanent status and some other categories including refugees. This route allows them to bring spouses, partners, children, or other closely dependent relatives to the UK.
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and Appendix FM differ in several key aspects.
First, family reunification under the EUSS can only be sponsored by EU nationals with pre-settled or settled status or those naturalised as British citizens, whereas Appendix FM has a broader scope. Appendix FM can also apply to EU nationals who, for various reasons, do not qualify for the EUSS—for example, if their relationship with their UK-based partner began or solidified after Brexit (31st December 2020).
Another significant difference relates to financial requirements:
- The EUSS does not have any financial thresholds.
- Under Appendix FM, the sponsor (the person living in the UK) must earn at least £29,000 gross annually, with additional costs for dependent children.
Language requirements also vary. Appendix FM requires an English test, initially at A1 level, whereas the EUSS has no such requirement.
Additionally, EUSS applications are free, whereas Appendix FM involves high costs. While EUSS is completely free, bringing a partner through Appendix FM costs £1,938, plus around £3,000 for the National Health Service (NHS) surcharge.
Decision timelines also differ. EUSS applications are supposed to be processed quickly, but in practice, decisions can take weeks or months. Appendix FM applications from abroad typically take 12 to 24 weeks, though priority processing (within 2–4 weeks) is available for £500.
Finally, if the application is approved:
- EUSS grants pre-settled status for 5 years, after which applicants can apply for settled status.
- Appendix FM grants an initial visa for 2 years and 9 months, which must be extended for another 2.5 years before applying for indefinite leave to remain.
Conclusion
The EU Settlement Scheme and Appendix FM offer distinct routes for family reunification in the UK. The EUSS was designed to protect EU citizens’ rights after Brexit and is generally more advantageous in several respects. Appendix FM is more restrictive, with financial and language requirements and high costs.
The choice between the two depends on the nationality of the UK-based sponsor and the type of relationship with the applicant. When EUSS is not an option, Appendix FM serves as an alternative—though more complex and costly—for family reunification.
Deciding which path to take requires a careful assessment of the requirements, costs, and likelihood of success. Regardless of the chosen route, it is essential to be well-informed and prepared to navigate the immigration process with confidence.
This post originally appeared on Londra, Italia https://www.londraitalia.com on 08.05.2025 in Italian.
