I think it could be helpful if others could give hints or tips on how to complete, organise and send in an application to UKBA.
This topic is not for a discussion on the rules, but more on presentation. How to handle an application.
My tips to start it off:
1. PLANNING
Plan YEARS in advance. Keep all useful documents and proof for the future. Old bills, letters, payslips, tax records etc.
For self-sufficient applicants it can be hard to prove you are in the UK as you are not clocking in at work on a daily basis. Keep all records such as flight tickets, transactions in the UK that name you and place you in the UK at a particular time to prove you have been in the UK.
Read up on the rules and regulations BEFORE you need to apply, so you will already know what's needed long before the time to apply - for Permanent Residence you need five years of evidence of continuously exercising treaty rights.
If self-sufficient or student you will need comprehensive sickness insurance. So, get an EHIC card from your EEA country of residence before you go to the host nation where you will exercise treaty rights.
2. ORGANISATION
Get ring binders or folders in which to store and organise all documents and letters and other evidence.
Organise the evidence and documents as you get them. Much easier than sorting out a big pile of mixed letters after a few years of collecting them.
BEFORE you send in any documents or evidence to UKBA COPY IT, so you have at least some proof and records of the originals.
In the application, separate and organise your evidence into sections and label it with explanations ( i.e Proof of work; proof of residence in the UK; proof of relationships; proof of health insurance; so you make it as easy as possible for a clerk to check you have sent in sufficient evidence.
3 OTHER ADVICE
Read the instructions and guidance notes at the start of the form. It will advise you to do things like use BLACK INK.
Take your time to fill in forms as neatly as possible.
If possible, ask someone to go through your application checking for errors and to try and find faults with it, such as a lack of evidence or too many irrelevant documents that do not strengthen your case.
If you are unsure about something, ask a question in the forum or get other advice. Don't be shy or worry that you should know that. We are all learning in life.
4 POSTING YOUR APPLICATION
ALWAYS, use at least a minimum of Recorded Delivery as proof you did post documents to UKBA. Keep the receipt safely filed away where you can find it easily. You can check the delivery status on Royal Mail's website.
If you use the more expensive Special Delivery (SP), ask about consequential loss insurance - as SP will not pay for reimbursing the cost of obtaining new documents, if the originals are lost in the post.
You will need to weigh the self-addressed return envelope with your documents and pre-pay the postage at the post office.
Put the pre-paid self-addressed envelope and your documents inside the envelope that you will send to UKBA. Then it will be weighed and the postage calculated. So, you are paying two lots of postage: the postage to send it and the postage for UKBA to return it to you. (If you don't include a pre-paid envelope UKBA will return your completed application by second-class ordinary mail. )
Buy strong envelopes / packets if your application is bulky or heavy so the envelope won't burst open if it's a bit heavy.
Personally, I always like to post things on a Monday or Tuesday so they get delivered quickly and they will not be sitting in a delivery depot over the weekend.
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