EEA member and ILR-Do I need it?

[Peter Kartalov]

Hi, my wife(she is a EEA citizen-Lithuanian) and I are planning to come and live in UK. If I understand the EEA right correctly one can work and travel freely in the UK.
my question is:
1. What are the limitations of this status?
2. Do we need to apply for indefinite leave to remain?
3. What are the bennefits of ILR over the plain EEA member status?
4. After how long will we be able to apply for ILR?
Thanx alot for the help.
Peter

[tvt]

You need the ILR if you want to apply later for a British citizenship.

British citizenship is better than A8 one:

1. Easier visa free access to other countries (like the USA)
2. Can work freely throughout the EU (inc. Germany and France)
3. In case the EU crumbles

[John]

Peter, have a read of :-


Annex E - General Guidance

-: in particular from para 2.1, especially para 2.3.

[Peter Kartalov]

I have read the Annex E before and do not understand why they say that a EEA member from the new Accession members cannot apply for a Residence Permit!!?!?! Furthermore, his/her non-EEA spouse cannot apply for a Residence stamp?!?!?!. Doesn't this controdict with the EEC3 form?

[John]

Peter, I think the terminology used in that annex makes it confusing. I think it is better explained by :-

Information about nationals of the European Economic Area

Hope that helps.