Permanent residency

[Dyana Bittar]

Hello All

I live in Uk under Spouse visa of EEA member for 10 years now. in July i applied for Permanent Residency with bio-metrics. i received a letter and went to do the bio-metrics but i don't have an answer yet and my visa expired.
I have an holiday booked for abroad in the end of this month.
Can someone advise me if i can go using the letter or not??

Kind regards

[GMB]

Yes, you can legally leave and re-enter the UK in your circumstances. I did it myself while I was waiting to receive my PR card, but the HO had my RC as part of the application (only difference: my RC wasn't expired at the time). Bring with you the Letter of Application if you have one by then, a copy of your EEA sponsor's passport or national ID card (if they are not traveling with you), a copy of their PR card if they have one (and if not traveling with you), or if they don't have a PR card, then proof they are working in the UK (last few payslips). If you have a copy of your expired EEA residence card, then bring that as well. They may give you a hassle, and may tut-tut a lot, but para.11(4) of the EEA Immigration Rules says they have to let you into the country as long as you can prove your status as an EEA family member.

[Richard W]

To add to GMB's reply, the critical issue is how to get to the UK border. If you are a visa national, you will need a family permit or an RC unless you can get to the juxtaposed immigration controls in France or Belgium. If you are not a visa national, then you can even fly back to the UK and present your documents to the immigration Officer.

[GMB]

Thanks for that addition Richard. It sometimes slips my mind as I'm a non-visa national.