Can I use EEA route? Irish citizen, born Northern Ireland with non EEA Spouse.

[nitram1000]

Hi everyone , first post.

Quick question!

Am I entitled to use the EEA route?

Me - Irish citizen, Born in Northern Ireland, lived in London for 25 years. (NHS Registered Nurse)

Spouse - Ecuadorian (Doctor)

Relationship started November 2021.

She has visited UK 4 times on tourist visas and I have visited her in Ecuador.

Married July 2023 in USA.

Not sure if I am eligible for EEA route ? Or is UK Spouse visa the better option.

Thanks a lot in advance for any info.

[alterhase58]

As an Irish citizen you have automatic residency but you can also apply for EU Settled Status and then apply for a Family Permit for your wife to join you. This is free.
There are no EEA applications anymore (I think) as EU law doesn’t apply any longer.

[nitram1000]

Hiya buddy thanks very much the reply.

Do you mind me asking, I had read some info regarding the relationship and that it should have been started before December 2020?

Thanks for any more info

[alterhase58]

Apologies, I missed that important bit ..
On the face of it a spouse visa under UK rules seems to be the path to take, then no need for settled status. Unless someone else can give more info regarding EUSS.

[nitram1000]

Ok thanks buddy will wait to see if anyone else chimes in.

[kamoe]

Relationship started November 2021.

The crux is here.

"The relationship must have started by 31 December 2020 and must still exist."
https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-ci ... ily-member

Your case does not therefore meet the conditions to apply under the EU route. Your route is the UK spouse route.

[nitram1000]

Thanks very much for the clarification, I'll get started on the UK spouse visa route then