Self-Employed: Apply now through the current 'PR' system or wait for 'settled status'?

[Marcus12]

Hi guys,

I am a Dutch national and my married partner is a non-EEA national who has lived with me in the UK for the past 5 years. My question is, does she need to take the Life in the UK test or the listening/speaking test to demonstrate her level of English in order to apply for Permanent Residence?

Many thanks,
Marcus.

[CR001]

does she need to take the Life in the UK test or the listening/speaking test to demonstrate her level of English in order to apply for Permanent Residence?

No she does not.

She will need both if she wants to apply for British citizenship at some point.

[Marcus12]

Hi,

Cool, thanks for the confirmation : )

[Marcus12]

Hi guys,

Quick question, I have been living in the UK as a qualified person for the past 14 years.

- The first 6 years I was student
- Following 3 years I was employed
- The following 5 years I have been self-employed (although on low-income, but still paying NI)

My question is: shall I apply for permanent residence through the current EEA system or wait for the new 'settled status' system, which is - according to the home office - going live sometime later in 2018?

Please note that as a student I didn't have any Comprehensive sickness insurance, but I hear that through the new 'settled' system that is not a requirement. So is it better to just wait for the new system and just show two letters from my College and University to gain settled status as a student (rather than self-employed, which gets much more complicated and may require more evidence)?

Your thoughts are much appreciated!

Thanks,
Marcus.