European family member PR application - but Residence Permit not stuck on the passport - is it ok to keep and travel ?

[Gara82]

Dear all,

I am looking to clarify what are my possibilities to keep my passport and my current residence permit while I am applying for the Permanent Residence in UK (I have more than 5 years living here)

I am already aware that me and my Spanish spouse can use the passport return service together (we are applying online), so I know I can keep my passport with me. However, as I am the non-EEA national, I also hold a residence permit which for some reason I received as a lose paper, not stuck in my passport.This is the document that I have used so far to re-enter to the UK when I traveled

So the questions are:

A - Is it ok to keep the original of my valid residence permit with me i.e. not sending it within my application? I would submit a full colour copy and in the form I make reference to the previous immigration case number, which is printed in this residence card.
B - And if yes, will I jeopardize my PR application process if I travel while the PR application is in progress ?

Many thanks

[obormot]

My reading of the rules says that it is much safer to send the original, not a copy. So I decided to send the original. We have the same case of EEA2 on a separate sheet of paper for a non-EU family member, and we submitted an applicaton online about 2 weeks ago and already did byomwetrics. I am planning now to ask for return of this document about.

[Gara82]

Thanks obormot!
what about travelling? once you get it back will it be ok to go on holidays and come back while the application is still in process?

[obormot]

There might be a problem with traveling (and this applies even if your Residence is in your passport):
If HO refuses your application while you are abroad, Border authorities can get inormed about it, and then you will have problems when coming back. So I would not travel unless it is really important, and if traveling would take all documents showing you are entitled to be in UK as EEA family member (say - at least copies of you marriage cetificate, husband's EU pasport, and his latest payslips to show he works in UK)

[Gara82]

hi all

one more question

What does it mean to receive the fingerprints appointment? Does it mean the application is approved? Or it can still be rejected after taking the biometrics?

[obormot]

It means nothing in terms of decision, it is part of standard process. Every non-EU person has to do biometrics. They will only start looking at yor application after they receive your fingerprints/photo/signature.

[Gara82]

Hi all,

For those who may be interested please check out the way my process finalised – quite surprisingly it took less than a month since the paperwork was sent.

• Husband of a European citizen
• Application was done online and jointly
• We had a legal representative to help with evidence
• We were not living together at the moment of application
• Application online submitted on 26/09/2018
• Passport return service appointment 03/10/2018 - I did not send my passport, nor my Immigration Status Document
• Biometrics invitation received on 15/10/2018
• Biometrics submitted 16/10/2018
• Residence Card received 31/10/2018