Vital information for French applicants immigrating to Britain
On 7 August 2025 the Home Office published the first version of its guidance on the new UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme. The home office published this together with Appendix UK/European Applicant Transfer Scheme in the immigration rules. This scheme allows people in France to apply for entry clearance to the UK for up to three months, free of charge and without paying the immigration health surcharge. Although it is presented as a safe and legal route, the process is tightly controlled. having good advice is vital as there are some important strategic points to consider before applying, particularly for families.
The two stage process
The application is made in two stages. The first is the expression of interest. The form went live on 7 August and remains open, but only applications made during an official application window will be considered. The guidance is clear that applications submitted outside the window must be rejected as invalid. It is not yet known how many applications will be accepted in each window or how long processing may take. Applications can also be paused if the Home Secretary considers that parity has not been reached with the number of people being returned to France.
If selected, applicants then move to the second stage. This is the entry clearance application. At this point they must attend a Visa Application Centre in France, enrol their biometrics, and present the same identity documents used at stage one. The suitability and eligibility requirements in the immigration rules will apply.
Family applications
Families can apply together as a group. The main applicant submits first, receives a family reference number from the Home Office, and the rest of the family must then use that number on their own forms. All family members must apply within the same application window. If some submit late, the group will be put on hold until the next window.
It is important to note that each application is assessed individually, but all family members will receive the same outcome. If one person fails the eligibility checks the whole family is refused. This makes the choice of main applicant a critical decision. Changes to family groups are not allowed after submission, unless caused by a birth or death.
Evidence and checks
French applications for British immigration
Applicants must show proof of family relationship, identity, and nationality. Expired passports or national ID cards can be accepted, but if no suitable documents are provided the application must be refused. The Home Office also requires applicants to be in France when submitting their form. This is checked by a geo-location request. If someone applies from outside France their application is void and they cannot apply again.
Selection process
Applications are filtered in three stages. First priority goes to high grant or high volume nationalities. The second filter is for those with a recent connection to the UK. Any remaining places are filled by random selection. Even then, biographic and security checks will be carried out before an application can move to entry clearance.
Outcomes
Those granted entry clearance receive permission for three months, with no right to work or claim public funds. Travel is arranged once a medical assessment has been passed. There is no right of appeal, although judicial review may be possible in some cases.
In summary
The scheme is complex and restrictive, with many uncertainties around demand, capacity, and family applications. Applicants should think carefully about strategy, especially in family groups, and prepare as much evidence as possible. Although presented as a safe and legal route, the availability of places depends entirely on the number of people being removed from the UK. for more info email; leena.chouhan@taylorhampton co.uk or see her profile here.
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Civil procedure rules and case law can change. Always seek professional legal advice tailored to your specific situation before acting.