Post
by Shef » Wed Jan 20, 2010 2:38 pm
I have been reading posts on this useful forum for a while and I thought it's time I ask for some advice about my situation, hoping it's not too late. Well my situation in a nutshell...came to the UK from Nigeria (August 2007) on a transit visa (6 months) en-route to Jamaica. Overstayed after some bad advice, went through untold hardships. Luckily met my darling and when she got pregnant we tied the knot at a Church of England wedding (August 2009). Wifey is Bulgarian and she is exercising treaty rights as self employed since January 2009, was formerly on SAWS permit in 2007 and 2008.
Had a lovely baby boy in October 2009. Well after pressure from wifey to regularize stay and careful digest of European Law as regards my case, I submitted my application for a Non-EEA Residence Card on form BR5 (December 17 2009), not yet received any acknowledgement letter from HO Bulgarian & Romanian Caseworking in Sheffield. Included her invoices, letter of recommendations, her passport, my national ID (as my passport as been sent back home after another bad advice), baby's birth certificate (to show it's not a marriage of convenience) and marriage certificate.
My question to knowledgeable advisers on here is do I have a chance to be issued a residence card? If I got a chance how long do I have to wait before I contact HO for updates regarding my case (1 month already and no acknowledgement letter).
Another question to John who is more knowledgeable in this field...as I am not working and Wifey is currently on maternity allowance until May 2010...will her claiming child benefit and child tax credit affect my application? She hasn't claimed yet but she was advised she is entitled to this benefits.
Your input would be highly appreciated.
Last edited by
Shef on Fri Feb 12, 2010 5:25 am, edited 1 time in total.