A2: Bulgarians & Romanians

Talk Visa Limited advisors are experienced in advising EEA nationals from A2 countries (currently Bulgaria and Romania), on their rights and entitlements under European law. We advise on all areas, from lawful working to rights to be joined by family members, such as spouses, un-married partners, children and dependent relatives be they also EEA nationals or third country non-EEA nationals. We advise on applications for permanent residence in the UK.

We can also advise on the right to remain in the UK following a change of circumstances such as a marriage breakdown between an EEA national and a non–EEA national and on the special rights which apply if there are children from the relationship.

Bulgaria and Romania are the two newest countries to join the EU. There are special rules about how people from A2 countries can work in the UK, and about their entitlement to benefits and housing.

In most cases, A2 nationals can only start work if they obtain prior authorisation to do so. They will need to show an employer evidence that they are entitled to work in the UK. However, some A2 nationals are exempt from the requirement to obtain authorisation, for example spouses and civil partners of British citizens and those with settled status.

Contact the Talk Visa Limited team for advice on which A2 nationals do not need to obtain authorisation to work in the UK.

After working for 12 continuous months with authorisation they get the same rights as other EEA workers.

The authorisation schemes and other rules about Bulgarians and Romanians only came into force on 1 January 2007 and so many people are not familiar with them.

A national of Bulgaria or Romania who:

• Is a person who has completed 12 months' continuous authorised work.
• Is a person who would not be required to seek authorisation if they were working.
• Is a student.
• Is a self-sufficient person

will be treated the same as any other EEA national and will have the same rights to whether they are in or out of work. All other Bulgarian and Romanian nationals who are not in work will not be eligible for residence or other rights.

EEA rights are complicated and often misunderstood, especially the rights of former workers. All EEA nationals who have had the right to live in the UK for five years get the right to permanent residence automatically.

Rights under EEA law is a fast changing area of the law. Contact Talk Visa Limited to ensure that you receive up to date professional advice on how the law applies to your situation.

Talk Visa Limited are also specialist in representing those whose applications have been refused and have appeal rights to the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal and up to the High Court for reviews.