My husband can't surrender his passport for longer than a we

[pamwesson]

Hi, i am trying to apply for EEA2 as the American wife of a treaty-exercising Irish citizen. We're both in the UK now. My application is straightforward except that there's no way we can both send in our passports for an indeterminate period, since he works in other EU and non-EU countries frequently and unpredictably. I have no problem staying in the UK for the months required but he can't stop working.... What to do?

[Jambo]

I suggest you contact the European cases contact centre on 0151 672 5626 to ask for advice.

One option might be for your husband to apply in person for Registration Certificate (EEA1) (only EEA1 has in-person same day appointments) and to use that with a photocopy of his passport for your EEA2 application.

[pamwesson]

Bless you for this advice, I'll try both things you suggested. There's hope!

[pamwesson]

I called the number, (got through fairly quickly, polite staff) and they assured me that a certified copy of the passport will be accepted for EEA2. A passport must be certified by the delivering body so now I'm dealing with the Irish Embassy Consular Section to try to find out what this entails.
They don't answer the phone as promptly as the UK Border Agency....

[pamwesson]

From the UKBA site:
"Sending original documents
You must send the original documents or certified copies.

A certified copy is one that includes a signed statement by the issuing authority or by a solicitor or notary. The certifier must confirm that it is an accurate copy of the original document."