Another EEA2 after this EEA2 expires instead of EEA4

[dhruv45in]

Hi. I am non-EU spouse of an EU national and just got my EEA2 recently. I do not work in UK and do not intend on working here. My wife works here and EEA2, for me was a way to come and meet her/stay with her here as i am on a rotational job. I was thinking since i wont be living in UK for 6 months in a year for these 5 years, i wouldnt qualify for EEA4 and can i still apply for EEA2 then, for another 5 years as a spouse of EU national? i know its a long time since my EEA2 expires but i will need to plan the future accordingly and if i have to be here in order to make life in the future easily, i ll have to look for a job here.

[86ti]

You can apply for a residence card whenever your spouse fulfills the criteria.

[Rolfus]

You might qualify for permanent residence anyway. The definition of residence is a grey area. The European Casework instructions http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitec ... dlaw/ecis/ say in Chapter 6, para 1

Continuity of residence is not affected by temporary absences (generally not exceeding 6 months per year).

Note the addition of 'Generally'.
We have discussed some of the issues on this thread http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... highlight=
Where does your work take you, and where is it based - is it within the EEA?

[dhruv45in]

Hi, thanks for the reply. As i said earlier i have aa EEA2 card which is valid for another 5 eyars. My next assignment is africa where i will be for another 3-4 years working 4 weeks n getting 4 weeks off, during which i will be coming back to UK but still i wont be in the UK for 6 months in a year though ( holidays abroad, family visits etc. )