Online applications

So I went through and tried a dummy application for an EEA Family permit, because shortly I will invite a number of non-EEA nationals, living in the EEA, married to EEA nationals, to a party we are holding.

Apparently the website is compulsory.

I tried to complete the form, leaving out irrelevant information, such as the income details, which are not required for a EEA Family permit, but the system will not let you submit the form.

I think it is not that complicated for them to create a system that is conditional so that EEA family route applications are not forced to waste their time on irrelevant information. I emailed to ask them about this, and they sent me this very lazy reply:

"With regards to your query, if the system requires all part to be completed then they will have to be."

Which is obviously a ridiculous thing to say.

Interesting you posted this as we have just completed the new online compulsory form (prior to booking).

Who and where did you email?

Applying for a Family Permit to re-enter as we came back from Germany in September (entered with German residency card) but wife had to return to China, hence application

The system is terrible, last night I had to enter my details five times before it would save correctly. Ended up doing a save after every line as a precaution. Even just now while reviewing my wife’s update to alternative address it did not save when we reviewed the form prior to printing.

Also you have to complete everything before it will allow you anywhere near the appointments, wife’s application became 16 pages long, but at least they send the PDF by email.

Interesting as to the wording that accompanied the appointment email:

Supporting documents:
• They must be in English, or, if they are in any other language, you must provide a certified translation;
• You need to have a tuberculosis (TB) test if you’re going to the UK for more than 6 months and you live in China; you must submit your certificate as part of your supporting documents, GOV.UK;
• If you are under 18, one of your parents or guardians must give their permission in writing to support your travel to the UK, please include this letter of consent with your application;
• All documents and passport will be returned to you when a decis

UKVI will email once a decision has been made on your application. The visa application centre will email you once they have received your application back from us. You will be able to collect your passport from the visa application centre as soon as y
I have not made a paste error; the two sentences were not finished.
Was not aware that a TB Test is needed for EEA family Permit

Certainly more personal questions regarding earnings / savings / spendings now and stil not easy to understand the constant switching applicant and spouse.

There was a feedback link somewhere. I wouldn't bother, as they just give non replies evidently.

I have sent a letter to my MP pointing out how terrible the system is (and I speak as a computer programmer - I would be ashamed and embarrassed to be associated with work of this quality).