Coming to UK from France

[mechanic]

I find this whole immigration thing totally confusing! Could someone kindly tell me or refer me to somewhere that clearly explains the difference between Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and registration using EEA1 form? This is for someone holding a French ID card who is a citizen of France. I read on some Border Agency pages that EU citizens have the right to live and work in the UK with no restrictions, then elsewhere I read that this right is only for three months, after which only certain categories of EU citizens may stay on, and this requires registration? Why would someone register if they can come and go between the UK and France without any bother? Any what are the benefits of applying for ILR? Apparently an EU citizen can register for NHS treatment and to work with fairly simple procedures like getting an NI number and showing proof of address.

Does my intention to seek UK citizenship (or not) make a difference?

I realise some of this must have been covered here before, but frankly searching for suitable posts just throws up a lot of particular case studies but I'm lost in the trees with no sign of the wood!!

[86ti]

ILR is a term under UK immigration rules and simply doesn't apply to you. It would be permanent residence in your case. Neither registration certificate (EEA1) nor permanent residence need to be applied for but to stay legally in the UK you would have to exercise treaty rights. This basically means having sufficient funds to support yourself and also having a separate comprehensive sickness insurance if you are either self-sufficient or a student.

If you want to naturalise you need to be a permanent resident for at least a year (under current rules). You would acquire this status automatically but can have it confirmed if you wish so.

[Plum70]

To add to 86ti's post: PR is attained after 5 years of residing in the UK in accordance with the EU regulations. Absences of more than 6 months per year will reset your residence clock, however longer absences of up to 1 year may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

As a French citizen, you simply get on the plane/train/car and come to the UK. For the first three months you can do as you want. After that you (generally) need to be working in the UK. Your french passport or ID card is all you need to prove to an employer that you can work in the UK. You do not need to apply for anything, other than a national insurance number once you start working.

After being here a long time, you can if you want apply for a certificate that confirms you have PR. But there is not much point in general and it does not change your rights while in the UK.

Your Eu or non-Eu family can also come with you!

[mechanic]

Ok, thanks to all the above for that! So if I understand it correctly a French person can come and go as they like, stay as long as they like, and work if they need to? I still wonder why the Border Agency mentions registration on their site, I suppose it's useful to have that document if you want to naturalise as a UK citizen later? I suppose it provides proof of when you start to reside in the UK.

I see from the NI information that a NI number is important for work, and requires proof of address. What about UK NHS treatment if necessary? How would a recent immigrant living here ensure that was available? Is any separate insurance necessary?

Thanks for any help - most useful!

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

You can come and go as you want. If you want to stay for more than 3 months, then you need to be working (or be looking for work, or be self sufficient).

Registering is fully optional! I can not see any benefit to doing it myself, but I may be wrong.

You can register for NHS as soon as you arrive. And apply for a National Insurance Number too.

[mechanic]

You can register for NHS as soon as you arrive. And apply for a National Insurance Number too.

NHS treatment would then be totally free? No extra insurance required?

[Plum70]

NHS treatment would then be totally free? No extra insurance required?

Routine medical treatment is free as well as most surgical procedures. However, certain dentistry, optical treatments, prescriptions for certain categories of patients are charged. See the 'NHS Choices' website for more.

You may wish to take out a separate private health insurance if you want shorter waiting/turnaround times and access to a wider range of specialist hospitals, surgeons etc but it is not mandatory (yet).

[Directive/2004/38/EC]

NHS treatment would then be totally free? No extra insurance required?

NHS treatment is totally free.

Some people seem to think they need private insurance. But I have never paid for non-NHS medical treatment, and never had private insurance.

As was pointed out, dental is not covered. But prescription drugs are covered (but you have to pay about £7 per prescription)