Online EEA PR NOT USING EU passport return service

[FlowerPower]

Hi Guys,
Question to those who had submitted EEA PR application online.
After submitting a form - can you still print form, attach supporting docs and a passport and send off paperwork by post yourself, instead of using Passport return service?
I have a tricky situation here - I am actually helping my partner with his application and I really appreciate easiness of an online form (after myself done all this before in paper format).
However - with him working mostly away - I can not be sure if he will be able to get to local passport return service. And with so short timeframe I can not risk.
I would prefer to fill and submit a form online, then print it off, attach all documents and original passport and send it off.
If online form accepts only EU passport return service, then seems I have no choice to opt for paper form.
Thank you in advance.

[obormot]

Once you complete online application and pay, you are directed to the page which says that you habe to EITHER send your application by post within 10 working days, OR go to passport return service within 10 working days.
So yes, you can use online application and then just send it yourself.
Also: you can check awaiability (and even book) passport return appointmrnt even before you complete the online application. So you might be able to get a day which works fir your partner (and if he cannot do it at the last moment, then just send it by post yourself instead)
However: it seems to me that a non-EU family member of EU-citizen, applying separately (not in the same application as a sponsor) CANNOT use online form:

https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/eea-pr

Who cannot apply online
Some applicants cannot currently use the online form.

Apply using the EEA (PR) paper form if you are:

a family member of a qualifying EEA national (your sponsor) but you are not applying at the same time as them
a student or self-sufficient person who is financially responsible for any other family members or is reliant on a family member for financial support
applying on the basis of retained rights
applying under the Surinder Singh category

[FlowerPower]

Thank you very much! Thats all I needed to know.
We are both EU passport holders and Im just helping him with paperwork. But he is applying on 5 years basis (It’s 8 already) - so online application is oki. Thank you again!