non-EEA 5 years resident but leaving soon - Apply?

[5yrstoday]

Hi there,

My case is this: resident in the UK with EEA2 residence card (spouse and kids are EEA nationals) for 5 years (today!) I've been working during these 5 years, no gaps, with P60s and comprehensive health insurance for all family.

As per the Law, as far as I see it, I "am" a UK permanent resident.....

....but...

...In July we will leave for a job in Italy, for a couple of years, hence I do not have 6 months to spare waiting for EEA4 to be processed before departure.
(I know of colleagues of mine applying for ILR after 5 years here and having it issued on the same day!)

We would return to the UK after this posting, but I would like to take advantage of my earned PR, instead of resetting the clock to zero!

- Any advice from the gurus please?
- Should I apply to EEA4 anyway?
- I will require my passport shortly, so how soon could I expect to get it back in case I apply?

Many thanks for any suggestions!

[sheraz7]

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... ht=#839329

[5yrstoday]

Thanks a lot sheraz7.
I read through the linked post. It seems a bit different in the sense that the person involved was already EEA national (Spain). I am not.

If I got it right, the post suggests I could apply for EEA4 on my return after being abroad (less than 2 continuous years). Right?

A couple of questions:

- Would you say applying now is not worth it? I still have a couple of months before leaving. Can I start the process and keep my passport until requested? Could I leave a "care of" address if I need to leave for project work?

- if I come back to the UK for short trips every now and then, would that count as "resetting to zero" the clock for the purpose of the 2-year continuous absence?

- Can I use the NCS services in any way for EEA4 applications?

Many thanks again.