Citizenship Areas
Advice for eligible cross-border workers on permit applications, renewals and changes affecting their work and residence.
Advice for eligible EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who work in the UK while living primarily elsewhere.
We review whether qualifying UK work began by 31 December 2020 and whether the relevant conditions continue to be met.
The permit supports eligible cross-border workers; it is not a general work visa for people starting UK employment now.
We assess nationality, residence and the work history before recommending an application. Irish citizens do not normally need this permit.
We assist with first applications and renewals, with advice based on the complete history of your work and residence.
Assess nationality, overseas residence and the pattern of UK employment or self-employment.
Review relevant information and explain any interruptions or changes in circumstances.
Prepare the application and support you through the appropriate identity process.
Explain the outcome and advise on proof of rights, renewal or an available challenge.
We assess whether the work and residence pattern supports frontier worker status. The assessment concerns the actual circumstances, rather than the job title alone.
Periods of unemployment, illness, pregnancy or other changes may need assessment under retained-status provisions. Not every gap ends eligibility, and not every gap is protected.
We review the history and any proposed change before advising on continued status or another immigration option.
A renewal requires consideration of the period since the earlier application. We review continued work, residence and any retained-status issues.
We advise on the permit expiry date and whether the circumstances support renewal. Changes in work or residence should be considered before assuming the same arrangements remain available.
If there has been a refusal, we assess the decision, any available review or appeal and the applicable deadline.
Your Frontier Worker permit does not provide immigration permission for family members. Each person needs an assessment.
Some relatives may have an EU Settlement Scheme option; others may need another immigration route.
We consider relationships, residence history and existing rights when advising on an appropriate application.
See our EU Settlement Scheme service for related advice.
We explain the decision and how to demonstrate the relevant rights. Eligibility for benefits or services has its own conditions and should not be assumed from holding a permit alone.
Frontier worker status is based on living primarily outside the UK. A plan to move here needs a separate review of available residence or immigration options.
The permit should not be treated as a direct settlement route. We assess any separate residence, settlement or citizenship position against your circumstances.