Brexit, FLR M and Surinder Singh

Hi everyone,

Hope everyone is having a good extended weekend.

I have a query where I require, and would highly value, your opinions.
I am a British Citizen while my spouse is in his 2nd FLR M stage. In the wake of Brexit, I and my spouse have decided to use measures to ensure we have the flexibility of living / retiring / working in EU by making plans to set up a business in Republic of Ireland. My spouse currently works for a large organisation that has presence all over the world while I am a stay at home parent with 2 children of less than 5 years. Our plans are that I, along with my 2 children, shift to Ireland for initially 7-8 months to try and run a business while my spouse will continue in his current profession in UK. This is where the complication starts as my spouse is currently on second tenure in the 5 year FLR M route towards ILR. Would I going to ROI for 7-8 months effect my spouse’s ILR application?

We have relied on my spouse’s income to meet the financial requirements for our first FLR M extension and would do the same when the time comes for the ILR in a couple of years time.

In addition to the above, we are faced with another complexity as my spouse’s mother is a widow along with a teen son from a non-EU country. The people we have discussed the ROI move have suggested to utilise Surinder Singh route while we try our luck in ROI. If the business doesn’t work, then obtaining the 2 of them some sort of permanent residence would be sufficient for us.

Would utilising the SS route for my mother-in-law and brother-in-law have any effect on my spouse’s ILR application in a couple of years?

As always, your views are appreciated.

Regards

NAKK

You won't qualify for surinder Singh if you maintain a home and your spouse remains in the UK. You would fail the "moving the centre of your life" requirement.

Your spouse's status in the UK is dependent on YOU being presented and settle in the UK.

The time frame to obtain PR in Ireland is not sufficient as things stand now due to Brexit. Likewise, there is likely not enough time for Milton and teen some to qualify for PR after 5 years once they return to the UK.

Best bet is to bite the bullet and stick with FLR then ILR on UK trajectory.
Then you are insulated from Brexit come what may (pun not intended).

The 17m (whoever they are) may have put the kybosh on all our dreams of free and easy sun, sea and sangria in our golden years; we are all in the hands of post-Brexit arrangements and that is all unknown.

For the wider family, UK does not sponsor chain migration at all.
Its probably too late now for the in-laws even under the family-friendly SS route even if you can show they are dependent on you and if you were configured to do SS (which it appears you are not).