joy2006 wrote:Hi everyone,
Got my package today from Post Office Depot and it was my PR;
My timeline has been;
- EEA4 Application sent: - 03 Jan 2012
- HO received it: - 04 Jan 2012
- COA received: - 20 Jan 2012 but dated 18 Jan 2012
- PR receieved 17 March 2012
- PR Issued 7 March 2012
Am happy and I can now go on my holiday in April as had planned.
Good luck to you all who are still waiting.....
Hi there...
Your application timeline gives me hope, but I was also hoping you could help with a couple of other questions I have...
I came to the UK in January as a marriage visitor, and got married to my EU National partner of 2 years on the 3rd of March. We submitted our EEA1 and EEA2 application on the 19th of March, and checked with the mail service who confirmed that it was delivered on the 20th.
I understand that I cant do much here in the UK until I receive any official documentation from Liverpool (by way of the COA, for eg.), so Im basically sat here twiddling my thumbs... My company is willing to transfer me to the UK office, but have asked for the COA or some sort of proof of residence and right to live and work in the UK. I'm also facing the same problem with opening a bank account, or getting a monthly mobile phone (or even a bloody gym membership). Everything seems to be dependent/conditional on one of the others existing, so it's quite frustrating.
Does anybody know if I can open a bank account anywhere as things currently stand? I spoke with HSBC with my passport before I actually turned in the application, but they later came back to tell me that they would need at least the COA, as well - maybe even the Residence Card stamp, before they could open a bank account for me. Am I allowed to work in the UK before I receive either the COA or the RC? Even if I am, it potentially leaves me with a pay cheque, but nowhere to deposit it...
Any sort of information/advice on how I can get on with my life here while I wait for the COA/RC would be very welcome...
Thanks...
PS - A couple of additional points. My job offer needs me to travel to Ireland as soon as I start. Assuming I get my COA by the end of April, I plan to ask for my passport back asap, and start working/open a bank account/etc...
I would then look to travel to Ireland as soon as I get my passport back, and I understand I would need to have my wife accompany me on the trip Dublin, by legal requirement, as I wouldnt have time to get a Schengen visa before the travel date.
We are then looking to travel to France on holiday in May. She is a French national (resident in the UK, of course, by virtue of living and working here). I understand that I will definitely need a Schengen visa to visit her country of citizenship, right?