Travelling on expired resident permit while EEA2 being renew

[plumas4u]

Hi all,

We're a Swedish/Mexican couple that sent in the EEA2 renewal form more than two months ago and we've now had to request the passports back as we're travelling to Mexico at the end of the month. We've lived in the UK for just about 5 years already so that's why the current resident permit just expired, which also explains the problem with travelling.

The official stance of the Home Office seems to be that we should apply for a new family permit in the nearest British Diplomatic Post abroad before returning but I am sure this will almost be impossible as we'll only be away for a week and considering any governmental processing times.

Is this necessary? Will my wife be prevented from re-entering the UK
again even though we're travelling together and we probably can convince the immigration agent that we infact are married (a bit tricky as we had to send most of these exact documents to Home Office to start with)?

Does anyone have any experience with this?

I have previously been told by a Home Office agent that if we travel together it's unlikely to be a problem but it seems they cannot guarantee it.

/P

[paulp]

You probably have to ask yourself in what category your wife will be re-admitted in the country and how that will tie in with your long-term plans.

[Docterror]

plumas4u, this is a very delicate situation. If you do not have a valid visa to show to the Stupid, how do you expect them to let your wife board the plane to the UK ?

Also, why did she not apply for the PR using the EEA4 if you have already been here for 5 years?

[Dawie]

plumas4u, this is a very delicate situation. If you do not have a valid visa to show to the Stupid, how do you expect them to let your wife board the plane to the UK ?

Also, why did she not apply for the PR using the EEA4 if you have already been here for 5 years?

Docterror, Mexican citizens do not require visas to enter the UK as tourists so the airline is unlikely to deny her boarding.

[Docterror]

Thanks Dawie! Totally overlooked that point.

[INSIDER]

There is a possibility your wife will be delayed by BIA on arrival. They may wish to undertake some checks but take it from me as the spouse of an EU national assumedly exercising treaty rights here she will not be returned or removed.I would suggest you carry proof of your application to the home office and any acknowledgement letter of this application that you might have receieved from the home office.