EEA QP - Do I need it?

[hosok]

hello,
I am an EU citizen. I've been living and working as self-employed in the UK since July 2013 (have worked every year, filled tax return etc.).
My wife was given a 5-year resident card (EEA 2 I believe) in March 2014.

I see a lot of talking about an EEA QP now which I believe wasn't a thing in 2013. I understand it is just a certificate to confirm your rights to reside in the UK (basically, that you work and live here).

A few questions if you could kindly help me:
1. Is it basically the prior EEA 1?
2. Would I need to have it or shall I just wait for next year (July 2018, 5 years since I started living and working here) to get my permanent RC ?
3. Would it help with getting the permanent RC next year?

Thanks!

[MrSlyFox]

Hello,

1. Is it basically the prior EEA 1

Yes, EEA 1 is just the name of the form you used to apply for a residence certificate.

2. Would I need to have it or shall I just wait for next year (July 2018, 5 years since I started living and working here) to get my permanent RC ?

No, It is not required to have one. For you personally it doesn't mean you can submit less document or even make the process of applying for a document confirming your PR faster.

3. Would it help with getting the permanent RC next year?

Not in itself, It just confirms you have a right of residency on the date it was issued. I believe with the uncertainty of Brexit people just feel more confident with an official document even if just states the rights they already have.

I see a lot of talking about an EEA QP now which I believe wasn't a thing in 2013.

It's been around since the beginning I believe.

[hosok]

Hello,

1. Is it basically the prior EEA 1

Yes, EEA 1 is just the name of the form you used to apply for a residence certificate.

2. Would I need to have it or shall I just wait for next year (July 2018, 5 years since I started living and working here) to get my permanent RC ?

No, It is not required to have one. For you personally it doesn't mean you can submit less document or even make the process of applying for a document confirming your PR faster.

3. Would it help with getting the permanent RC next year?

Not in itself, It just confirms you have a right of residency on the date it was issued. I believe with the uncertainty of Brexit people just feel more confident with an official document even if just states the rights they already have.

I see a lot of talking about an EEA QP now which I believe wasn't a thing in 2013.

It's been around since the beginning I believe.

Thank you for your kind and prompt response. I do appreciate it.
I think the QP doesn't make a difference when it comes to brexit, simply because if when the UK leaves EU they decide to changes to laws then this QP is going to waste. PR, however, is a different story because it is not something you can take back or change, I believe.
Would you recommend, upon applying for a PR for me (EEA) and my wife (non-EEA), to send my tax return, NI application and bank statements from 2013 to 2018, or anything extra to make their process easier?
While I know I will be eligible for PR it is much easier to have it prior to brexit.