Hello,
If you apply at the same time it is usually quicker (maybe?), It takes so much longer for NON-EEA family members because EEA Nationals get priority, whereas NON-EEA Applications only must be decided within six months.
For EEA Nationals:
Issue of registration certificate
17.—(1) The Secretary of State must issue a registration certificate to a qualified person immediately on application and production of—
(a)a valid national identity card or passport issued by an EEA State; and
(b)proof that the applicant is a qualified person.
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http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016 ... on/17/made
For NON-EEA Nationals
Issue of residence card
18.—(1) The Secretary of State must issue a residence card to a person who is not an EEA national and is the family member of a qualified person or of an EEA national with a right of permanent residence under regulation 15 on application and production of—
(a)a valid passport; and
(b)proof that the applicant is such a family member.
(3) On receipt of an application under paragraph (1) or (2) and the documents that are required to accompany the application the Secretary of State must immediately issue the applicant with a certificate of application for the residence card and the residence card must be issued no later than six months after the date on which the application and documents are received.
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http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016 ... on/18/made