EEA national moving to UK with non EEA national spouse

Hi everyone!

I'm from the Netherlands, and my husband is a US citizen. We're moving to the UK, because I'm starting school soon (and my course lasts for 4 years). My situation is somewhat weird because I've lived in the US for the past 13 years. I have no EU health insurance, for example.

So anyway, my questions: I thought it was possible to apply for a family permit for my husband before getting a flat/apartment? It seems from the application that that's not possible, though. How long does it usually take to get the permit? And does it make sense for me to apply for a registration certificate proving my right to live in the UK as an EU citizen?

I know it's a bit early for us to decide this now, but we'd like to possibly settle in the UK and get permanent residency. Now I've read from http://www.immigrationboards.com/eea-ro ... 47252.html and also in the instructions on applying for permanent residency that you need to have had Comprehensive Sickness Insurance, and that somehow the NHS doesn't count. I realize that EHIC cards count, but I can't get one because I don't live in the Netherlands right now. Is it possible to get one while I'm in the UK, by any chance? Or do I need to buckle down and pay for private insurance (which, on a student budget, will be incredibly difficult)? And what would happen to my husband if I do manage to get an EHIC card?

Thanks in advance

saskiiaa wrote:Hi everyone!

I'm from the Netherlands, and my husband is a US citizen. We're moving to the UK, because I'm starting school soon (and my course lasts for 4 years). My situation is somewhat weird because I've lived in the US for the past 13 years. I have no EU health insurance, for example.

So anyway, my questions: I thought it was possible to apply for a family permit for my husband before getting a flat/apartment? It seems from the application that that's not possible, though. How long does it usually take to get the permit? And does it make sense for me to apply for a registration certificate proving my right to live in the UK as an EU citizen?

I know it's a bit early for us to decide this now, but we'd like to possibly settle in the UK and get permanent residency. Now I've read from http://www.immigrationboards.com/eea-ro ... 47252.html and also in the instructions on applying for permanent residency that you need to have had Comprehensive Sickness Insurance, and that somehow the NHS doesn't count. I realize that EHIC cards count, but I can't get one because I don't live in the Netherlands right now. Is it possible to get one while I'm in the UK, by any chance? Or do I need to buckle down and pay for private insurance (which, on a student budget, will be incredibly difficult)? And what would happen to my husband if I do manage to get an EHIC card?

Thanks in advance

Note You can't use a UK EHIC card - you need one from your home country.
Plus a statement to effect you are in UK for shortterm (eg period study) if you plan on submitting an EHIC card as proof of CSI.

If not possible to obtain EHIC then you need full CSI &, this is very important, so does your husband; Otherwise you won't be considered as exercising treaty rights as a qualified person in UK (eg as a student) & your PR clock won't start (nor that of your dependent family member - husband).

Welcome to UK btw.