EEA FP extension

[byenano]

Hello,


I am an Austrian national married to a non-EEA national who was issued the EEA Family Permit to join me here in the UK. She is finishing her studies in her home country while I am already doing my MSc in London. We didn't expect that it would take so long for her to finish her studies so originally we said that she would be here by mid august (her FM is valid from that date til mid february).

So my first question is: is there a limit of until for her to arrive here or is she obviously entitled to enter the UK until her FP permit expires?

Second, we clearly stated in the FP application that we planned to settle down in the UK and consequently we intend to apply for the extension of the FP (I think is called EEA2). Do you know when should we apply for that, I mean, in January (a month before the first FP expires) or before that?

As you can tell, our main concern is that her trip has been delayed due to her graduation.

And my third concern is the CSI policy required fo students, I don't know if you have any idea about it? or if I need to get one now better than just before we apply for the second FP.

Thank you very much if you could give me any reponse on any of my questions.

[Jambo]

1. EEA FP main purpose is to facilitate entry so as long as it's valid she can use it to board a flight and enter the UK.

2. Under EEA regulations, rights are obtained automatically (for married couples). Holding a residence document is optional. She can apply for a 5 years Residence Card anytime she wish (or never). It doesn't matter if she has a valid EEA FP or not.

3. As you are a student, you are required to hold a private health insurance (or a non UK EHIC) for your time as a student. Better to have it now as time as a student without it won't be considered as qualifying time for Permanent Residence (after 5 years).