UKBA To Charge For EEA Applications

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Does this need to be a sticky anymore given that the idea appears to have been binned now?

[imraniqbal2010]

So any update?

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

So any update?

The idea's been scrapped.

[Euroguy]

The cost in Portugal not including travel and a mistake where 15 euros for an adult the same as a national id card for a local

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

The cost in Portugal not including travel and a mistake where 15 euros for an adult the same as a national id card for a local

The UK can't charge because there is no UK national ID card.

[ch_82]

Can anyone confirm me about premium service of EEA2 applications ?

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Yes. Won't happen. Please just read the previous posts above.

[borek]

I don't understand why people are so negative. All they do is, they are offering you a service that many immigration agents offer. Thats all nothing else. You can walk in they check if everything is all right, if you have all the required documents or if you will need something else. Then they will submit your application for you. This is £300. An immigration agent would charge you for £400-450. That is all. Its your decision. You can submit it for free anyway. it is gonna be just a service if you want to make sure you have your form filled in properly and you have all the supporting documents that they required.

[thsths]

I don't understand why people are so negative.

Because the whole "freemium" business idea is suspect. It creates an incentive to deteriorate the quality of the free product, so that more people charge the premium product. It happened with Spotify, Amazon shipping, and many other services. I am sure the Home Office would also suddenly become even more difficult to deal with, and if you complain, they would point out the premium service...

Now that does not mean I am against a same day service, but I am very sceptical that they could charge for it without ruining the system completely.

[borek]

Now that does not mean I am against a same day service, but I am very sceptical that they could charge for it without ruining the system completely.

They never promised same day service anyway. You still will have to wait same time like when you submit it by post. Many people use Agents to make sure they have got everything that is required and they filled the form in correctly. Thats what the walk in service offer. Nothing else. You will not have PR on the same day:)

"We will be introducing a fee of £300 for applications made in person at our public enquiry office in the future, but there will no fee for applications made by post."


Applications made in person at our public enquiry office. Thats all. Then your application goes in the queue.

If they offered same day PR for £300 i wouldn't mind to pay that money at all.

[thsths]

"We will be introducing a fee of £300 for applications made in person at our public enquiry office in the future, but there will no fee for applications made by post."

They used to process EEA1 applications in person, and the promise was that most applications would be decided the same day. I do not think they do that any more, and anyway it took weeks to get an appointment, so it was not as useful at it may seem.

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

Forget it, won't happen. In the bin.

It's important that everyone is treated equally.

No favours for those who can pay extra - not cricket, I'm afraid.

[big_ibra]

So any update?

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

So any update?

No

[big_ibra]

So any update?

No

thnx

[vinny]

New immigration fees proposed.

See here:

£55

[a.s.b.o]

New immigration fees proposed.

See here:

£55

interesting. would be interesting to see skinny and pale ukba arse whipped in court.

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

Amazing. Think they will finally process RCs in only 6 months?

[waki]

25 February 2013

"Today, Immigration Minister Mark Harper laid a written ministerial statement proposing fee increases for visa applications made overseas, and applications made in the UK.

The proposals laid in Parliament today and on 14 March, subject to Parliamentary approval, will take effect from 6 April 2013.

Immigration Minister, Mark Harper said:


'These increases are mostly in line with inflation and will ensure that the UK continues to welcome the brightest and the best. It is only right that those who use and benefit from the immigration system should contribute more than the UK taxpayer.'

The proposed fee increases takes place against a difficult financial context for the UK Border Agency and the government as a whole. [quote]We believe our proposals to increase fees strike the right balance between ensuring the UK Border Agency continues to provide a world class service and maintaining a fees structure that does not inhibit the UK's ability to continue to attract those businesses, migrants and visitors who most benefit the UK.[/[/quote]u]These adjustments will also allow us to improve our levels of customer service and deliver a high quality immigration service at a challenging time for public finances across the UK.

A full table of the proposed fees is included in the written ministerial statement."

World class clown they are, i believe they have to go to germany to learn how things work and how effective things could be if for ones they can be humble enough to admit they are failure.

[dsab85]

I don't think anybody really would mind the relatively small fee, IF it is used to bring down the processing time to some slightly more acceptable levels, in line with other EEA countries (6-8 weeks, I would say).

I would have paid £500 if it would have meant it will be processed in less then 4 weeks.

[renu]

I don't think anybody really would mind the relatively small fee, IF it is used to bring down the processing time to some slightly more acceptable levels, in line with other EEA countries (6-8 weeks, I would say).

I would have paid £500 if it would have meant it will be processed in less then 4 weeks.

i don't think they will bring the processing time any less than 6 months.

[ruthie]

Just notice there is small font wording in the document right below the EEA section.

Residence Documents issued under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations are not mandatory. These fees will be introduced later in 2013 when the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006 have been amended. Full information will be provided on the UKBA website.

The reason of charging the fee is quite interesting. Anyone knows what the amendment it will be?[/quote]

[EUsmileWEallsmile]

I don't think anybody really would mind the relatively small fee, IF it is used to bring down the processing time to some slightly more acceptable levels, in line with other EEA countries (6-8 weeks, I would say).

I would have paid £500 if it would have meant it will be processed in less then 4 weeks.

i don't think they will bring the processing time any less than 6 months.

If anything it will add to time, processing a fee and checking that it has been paid will adds complexity.

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

If anything it will add to time, processing a fee and checking that it has been paid will adds complexity.

Ouch!!!!

A little more detail at http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013 ... n-id-cards

[vinny]

More comments in RC fee £ 55.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/aboutus/fees-2013.pdf

Very remarkable. In article 25 (paragraph 2) of Directive 2004/38 it is stated explicitly:

All documents mentioned in paragraph 1 shall be issued free of charge or for a charge not exceeding that imposed on nationals for the issuing of similar documents.

I wonder what these similar documents for British citizens are, that would cost £55 or more?

By the way, this document gives extra information, in particular the processing cost for each type of application: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... s-fees.pdf
They quote here £82 for all EEA applications. I cannot believe it is really the same for all EEA applications, because an EEA2 application is by definition more complicated than an EEA1, etc.

I don't think anybody really would mind the relatively small fee, IF it is used to bring down the processing time to something slightly more acceptable (6-8 weeks, I would say).

I would have paid £500 if it would have meant it will be processed in less then 4 weeks.

I am much more happy to pay up to £ 1000, if ukba offer same day window service.

But the foot note on this page is suggesting that it will be introduced later in 2013 after some amendements in EEA 2006.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... s-2013.pdf

HO will charge applicants and still make them wait for months. if ppl are paying, i think it should be same day service.

they cant charge fees for eea application under regulation 2006, it will be against the law,

it will be still 6 months plus waiting time

they cant charge fees for eea application under regulation 2006, it will be against the law,

it will be still 6 months plus waiting time

i am thinking the same.

But the foot note on this page is suggesting that it will be introduced later in 2013 after some amendements in EEA 2006.

they cant charge fees for eea application under regulation 2006, it will be against the law,

it will be still 6 months plus waiting time

It is not against the law actually, there is a basis for it in the law. In France it cost about three hundred plus euros for a residence card application. In Germany it cost £28.80.

If you go back to the beginning of this thread and read my post there, you will see that it depends on the charge for similar documents for nationals of the member state.
It is a bit vague, but in France and Germany there are apparently such documents, in the UK I am not aware of any, and that would make charging for EEA applications illegal.

If you go back to the beginning of this thread and read my post there, you will see that it depends on the charge for similar documents for nationals of the member state.
It is a bit vague, but in France and Germany there are apparently such documents, in the UK I am not aware of any, and that would make charging for EEA applications illegal.

ID cards for French national does not cost three hundred plus euros, it must be much lesser than that, I agree in Germany it is same 28.28 euros for national ID

Each RC/PR cost UKBA £ 82,so if they charge £ 55 then still UKBA lose £ 27 each application.RC/PR for EEA national should not be free.at least they have to pay the cost plus if ppl want speedy service then same day service with additional charges would be acceptable.

In France it cost about three hundred plus euros for a residence card application

Are you sure?

This indicates it's free (or 25€ if lost).

Each RC/PR cost UKBA £ 82,so if they charge £ 55 then still UKBA lose £ 27 each application.RC/PR for EEA national should not be free.at least they have to pay the cost plus if ppl want speedy service then same day service with additional charges would be acceptable.

In contrary to PBS (point based application) charging for European residence card applications is not simply easy and certainly need amendment by involving the member states which already indicated in the footnote that this charges will apply later 2013 once some amendments in EEA2006.

In France it cost about three hundred plus euros for a residence card application

Are you sure?

This indicates it's free (or 25€ if lost).

There was a user on this forum, who paid claimed they pay more than 300 euros for their French residence card and below again is confirmed by the French immigration. I also note they claim it's a visa regularisation fee.

The User complained to Solvit who claimed member state can sometimes charge for RC application, if I do find the thread I shall post it on

It is a PDF I do not know how to upload the whole of the unfortunately.

1. The format of residence permits issued in France follows the rules laid down by Regulation 1030/2002/EC of 13 June 2002 as amended
by Regulation 380/2008/EC of 18 April 2008 which requires Member States to grant to foreigners residence permits containing an
electronic component including two biometric data: a digital photograph and the image of two fingerprints of the holder. In accordance
with a time schedule for the implementation of this Regulation, the integration of digital photograph in the electronic component started
on 20 May 2011 whereas certain residence permits with the holder’s fingerprints have been delivered since 20 June 2012. The issuance
of this new model of residence permits is spreading and should be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2013. These residence
permits are issued to third-country nationals as well as non-EEA family members of EEA nationals.

2. The issuance of residence permits to non-EEA family members of EEA nationals is free of charge. Applicants only have to pay for a
duplicate. In case of irregular entry, the issuance of the first residence permit is subject to the payment of a regularization visa right of
340€.

3. Law No. 2003-1119 of 26 November 2003 on the control of immigration, residence of foreigners in France and nationality gave a legal
basis for the collection of biometric data from foreigners applying for a residence permit in France. Article 11 of this law inserted in
Order No. 45-2658 of 2 November 1945 on the conditions of entry and residence of foreigners in France a provision which became the
first sentence of the first paragraph of the Article L. 611-3 of the Code on Entry and Residence of Foreigners and Right of Asylum
(Code de l’entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d’asile = CESEDA) reads as follows: “In order to guarantee the right of
residence of legally staying persons and fight against the irregular entry and residence of foreigners in France, fingerprints and a
photograph of foreigners (...),applying for a residence permit can be identified, stored and subject to automated processing under the
conditions established by law No. 78-17 of 6 January 1978 relating to data, files and freedoms.” Decree No. 2011-638 of 8 June 2011
on the files management application of foreign nationals, residence permits and travel documents of foreign nationals determine the
conditions of application of such a measure.

4. Non-EEA family members of EEA nationals are required to hold a residence permit. If the document has been lost or stolen, they must
apply for a duplicate. They have to report theft to the police or to the gendarmerie where the offence occurred if the theft took place in
France or to the local police and the nearest consulate if the theft took place abroad. They have to report loss to the prefecture or subprefecture
of their place of residence. In both cases, they have to apply for a duplicate at the prefecture or sub-prefecture of their place
to residence. To be re-issued a residence permit, the applicant has to pay a tax of 16€ by ordinary tax stamps.

5. There is no obligation to notify the authorities of changes in foreigners’ circumstances which affect their status under Directive
2004/38/EC.
6. The issuance of a duplicate of a residence permit is charged. To be re-issued a residence permit, the applicant has to pay a tax of 16€ by
ordinary tax stamps.

7. Any difficulty regarding the issuance of such documents has been raised.
8. Article 5(2) of Directive 2004/38/EC stipulates that family members are subject to the obligation of entry clearance visas in accordance

Can you not read??

I see this sentence very clearly in what you posted:

The issuance of residence permits to non-EEA family members of EEA nationals is free of charge.

However, there seems to be a charge of 340 euros for illegal immigrants who subsequently claim EU rights. That's a very different issue, although I still don't see how it can be in agreement with 2004/38.

I see this sentence very clearly in what you posted:

The issuance of residence permits to non-EEA family members of EEA nationals is free of charge.

However, there seems to be a charge of 340 euros for illegal immigrants who subsequently claim EU rights. That's a very different issue, although I still don't see how it can be in agreement with 2004/38.

If you had stopped there and not included this

Can you not read??

You would have been applauded, but you had to shoot yourself in the foot?

There was a user on this forum, who paid claimed they pay more than 300 euros for their French residence card and below again is confirmed by the French immigration. I also note they claim it's a visa regularisation fee.

As I said, there was someone on the forum a time ago who made the complaint of being charged for residence card application, and having seen that amount showed up in the document, it had clouded my attention to read to detail, It was more of I already knew you charge for residence card applications.

Finland is charging 95 euros for a residence card. The same fee is charged in case the holder of the card reapplies for a card e.g. due to
the loss of the card or changes in the information contained in the card. The fee is based on the Decree of the Ministry of the rubbish
(The Decree of the Finnish Ministry of the rubbish on the fees for the performances of the Finnish police in 2012). The processing fees
are adjusted annually.

Found a link for the whole document here http://www.emnnorway.no/EMN-Media-Archi ... ly-permits

Found a link for the whole document here http://www.emnnorway.no/EMN-Media-Archi ... ly-permits

Interesting. Seems like the UKBA were doing some research 4 months ago in preparation to start charging for residence documentation under EEA regulation.

EEA1 and EEA3 are not mandatory. Technically, EEA2 and EEA4 are not, but in practice, it could be argued that they are - no right to work, no right to travel, etc.

What document might be considered to be equivalent, passport perhaps?

In my opinion, any fee charged will in no way affect the timeliness of the application.

Found a link for the whole document here http://www.emnnorway.no/EMN-Media-Archi ... ly-permits

Interesting. Seems like the UKBA were doing some research 4 months ago in preparation to start charging for residence documentation under EEA regulation.

Also it seems that the UK is seeking to issue to a biometric card to EEA applicant. Maybe they will argue the fee is to cover that cost (but then there is no equivalent card for Brits).

Also it seems that the UK is seeking to issue to a biometric card to EEA applicant. Maybe they will argue the fee is to cover that cost (but then there is no equivalent card for Brits).


Yes I agree with the Jambo. Its more likely possible to happen this.

Found a link for the whole document here http://www.emnnorway.no/EMN-Media-Archi ... ly-permits

Interesting. Seems like the UKBA were doing some research 4 months ago in preparation to start charging for residence documentation under EEA regulation.

Yes here is the link

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013 ... n-id-cards

OK.

So in order to be able to control the influx of Romanians/Bulgarians the DM is warning us all about, they would start charging money from everyone. Interesting.

And I agree, it will have no affect on the process time.

Yes here is the link

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013 ... n-id-cards

Politicians are rarely appointed on the basis of skills and expertise, and mr Harper goes to great lengths to prove he is no exception to the rule.

All measures he wants to impose on EU nationals are illegal, unless they are also imposed on British nationals.

For example:

The idea was first raised by Philip Hollobone, the Conservative MP for Kettering, who claimed the Spanish already "interpret the free movement directive much more robustly" by requiring all European Union citizens and family members to register if they want to live there for more than three months. They also require notification of any change in address or marital status.

I don't now the details about Spain, but in the Netherlands there is the GBA (Common Population Register) and everybody (regardless of nationality or status) living in the Netherlands has to be registered in there, and any change in the registered details (such as address) has to be reported within 5 days. In essence this system was introduced by Napoleon, and so it exists in most countries that were under Napoleontic occupation.
In the UK there is nothing like that, and therefore it cannot be imposed on EU nationals either. It has nothing to do with a robust interpretation of free movement; it is simply about treating EU nationals as your own citizens.

In my opinion, any fee charged will in no way affect the timeliness of the application.

I'd changed my stance on this slightly. What I'd meant was that a fee won't help expedite applications. We are dealing with bureaucracy - requirements are met or they are not.

If anything fee is likely to increase times as it must be processed, checked etc.

Yes here is the link

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013 ... n-id-cards

Politicians are rarely appointed on the basis of skills and expertise, and mr Harper goes to great lengths to prove he is no exception to the rule.

All measures he wants to impose on EU nationals are illegal, unless they are also imposed on British nationals.

For example:

The idea was first raised by Philip Hollobone, the Conservative MP for Kettering, who claimed the Spanish already "interpret the free movement directive much more robustly" by requiring all European Union citizens and family members to register if they want to live there for more than three months. They also require notification of any change in address or marital status.

I don't now the details about Spain, but in the Netherlands there is the GBA (Common Population Register) and everybody (regardless of nationality or status) living in the Netherlands has to be registered in there, and any change in the registered details (such as address) has to be reported within 5 days. In essence this system was introduced by Napoleon, and so it exists in most countries that were under Napoleontic occupation.
In the UK there is nothing like that, and therefore it cannot be imposed on EU nationals either. It has nothing to do with a robust interpretation of free movement; it is simply about treating EU nationals as your own citizens.

I understand that the UK could make residence certificates and cards mandatory right now if it wished (post 3 months' residence). The directive allows this. What they can't do is insist that the card are carried around as there is no equivalent provision for UK nationals.

I understand that the UK could make residence certificates and cards mandatory right now if it wished (post 3 months' residence). The directive allows this. What they can't do is insist that the card are carried around as there is no equivalent provision for UK nationals.

Yes, but because of the lack of a UK equivalent they cannot charge for it!

And I also think UKBA does not have the resources to cope with the many extra applications if Residence Certificates, etc. were made mandatory.

I understand that the UK could make residence certificates and cards mandatory right now if it wished (post 3 months' residence). The directive allows this. What they can't do is insist that the card are carried around as there is no equivalent provision for UK nationals.

Yes, but because of the lack of a UK equivalent they cannot charge for it!

I would love to know the basis for charging for the documentation. My guess and it's only a guess is a passport, but it's stretching imagination.

So would I and therefore I wrote to my MP about this, suggesting to ask the minister for a clarification.

I really can't see a passport qualify as a "similar document", residence certificates/cards are in addition to a passport (or ID-card) but do not replace it. And a Brit is not required to have a passport, as long as you don't want to travel abroad.

It might be that as the residence documentation is theoretically optional, you can chose to pay the fee or not. Similarly, one can chose to apply for a passport or not.

(In practice of course, it's not really optional for non-EU family members, due to the great inconvenience that would be caused in not having residence documentation).

In any case, I don't know the answer and am just speculating.

Optional or not is not relevant.
Article 25.2 of Directive 2004/38 simply says free of charge or at most the fee for similar documents for British citizens.