Possible to apply for PR(EEA4) without sending the passport?

[apriliapegaso28]

Hello,

My wife could apply for her PR from May 22nd, however we've got 2 trips planned outside the UK this year:
* 1 during Xmas
* the other one the last week of June and 1st of July

As I was reading that the application could take a long time, I was thinking that it'd be better to apply ASAP so that hopefully we got all sorted by Xmas, but then we could have the problem that if I send all documentation in May, and I try to ask for her passport back, maybe it doesn't come on time for the 1st trip at the end of June?

Does anyone has any experience or is there any rule to see if it's allowed or not to apply for her PR but without sending her passport until we are back at the beginning of July?

[noajthan]

Hello,

My wife could apply for her PR from May 22nd, however we've got 2 trips planned outside the UK this year:
* 1 during Xmas
* the other one the last week of June and 1st of July

As I was reading that the application could take a long time, I was thinking that it'd be better to apply ASAP so that hopefully we got all sorted by Xmas, but then we could have the problem that if I send all documentation in May, and I try to ask for her passport back, maybe it doesn't come on time for the 1st trip at the end of June?

Does anyone has any experience or is there any rule to see if it's allowed or not to apply for her PR but without sending her passport until we are back at the beginning of July?

Have you read the PR guidance which includes guidance on alternative proofs of identity?

Plan B: enjoy wonderful trip in July; apply for confirmation of PR after July.

Once application is filed then request passport back, ready for December. Or send alternative proof of id if you/wife has one.

[apriliapegaso28]

Have you read the PR guidance which includes guidance on alternative proofs of identity?

Plan B: enjoy wonderful trip in July; apply for confirmation of PR after July.

Once application is filed then request passport back, ready for December. Or send alternative proof of id if you/wife has one.

Hi,

I read the PR doc and the guidance again and I didn't see possible alternative docs, they just generalized with:

1.21 If you are not submitting a valid passport, travel document or nationality identity card,
please say why in the box below and submit alternative evidence of your identity and nationality.

Please note: we will only accept alternative evidence of your identity and nationality if you can
show that you are not able to submit a valid passport, travel document or national identity card
due to circumstances beyond your control.

Not sure even now about the 'we'll ONLY accept alternative evidence (whatever that is)... circumstances BEYOND your control'. As they could argue that travelling is in our control and as such, reject the application I guess?

Yes, we were thinking about Plan B as well, of applying once we're back in July and then request the passport in case the application takes a long time to get processed, but the problem would be that my wife's Residence Card is going to be expired by then, so even if we have the passport back, I am understanding that we cannot leave the UK until we get the PR, can we? (as the sticker with her Residence Card would no longer be valid at that time)

[noajthan]

Not sure even now about the 'we'll ONLY accept alternative evidence (whatever that is)... circumstances BEYOND your control'. As they could argue that travelling is in our control and as such, reject the application I guess?

Yes, we were thinking about Plan B as well, of applying once we're back in July and then request the passport in case the application takes a long time to get processed, but the problem would be that my wife's Residence Card is going to be expired by then, so even if we have the passport back, I am understanding that we cannot leave the UK until we get the PR, can we? (as the sticker with her Residence Card would no longer be valid at that time)

So the alternatives include: travel document or nationality identity card
- does wife have one of these?

Plan C: You/wife could apply for a FP (from abroad) when you are away in December and wife could use that to reenter UK.
Or wife can re-enter UK with you but without a RC (if you can persuade an airline to let wife checkin & board a plane).