EEA Application Questions Thanks!

[ENM]

Hi All
I would like some advice please on applying for an EEA family permit.

Currently my wife and I both live in South Africa. We have been married for 4 months but dated for a year before we got married. She has an EU passport because she is an Italian Citizen. I am a South African citizen.
We have decided to immigrate to the UK. So as I understand it I can apply for an EEA family permit and once there I can apply for the 5-year residency permit.

My concern is ensuring that the EEA family permit application goes smoothly. So besides the documents they request like my marriage certificate, Valid passport etc. what else should I do?

We will be travelling together ideally at the same time. I would prefer that as opposed to her going first to have the opportunity to start exercising her Treaty rights in the UK and then me joining her soon after that.

A few questions:
1) What else must I do to ensure this application goes smoothly?
2) Would it help to show our relationship via WhatsApp messages, Wedding photos, Dating photos etc?
3) Would it help to provide all my educational qualifications? I am in IT and have a number of certificates and Diplomas (idea is to show I will not be burden on the state)

Thanks all in advance for your assistance

[sebasb21]

Hi ENM,

I did an application FP as an umarried partner of an italian citizen.

A few questions:
1) What else must I do to ensure this application goes smoothly?

Read the application guidelines and follow them strictly. Read them carefully do not take anything for granted.
Do it online.

2) Would it help to show our relationship via WhatsApp messages, Wedding photos, Dating photos etc?

I would think a marriage certificate, translated by legal translator (if not in english) would be enough. You could also apostille it maybe. If you have something to prove you live together might be good, utility bills, let agreements, tax declarations.

3) Would it help to provide all my educational qualifications? I am in IT and have a number of certificates and Diplomas (idea is to show I will not be burden on the state)

The Family Permit does not require the Family Member to prove any qualifications, or financial records. I sent none. The applications was big like 70 or 80 pages, and i didn't want to make the official have to look over evidence the Permit didn't asked for.

I'm not an expert, just did my application and it went without much problem. Read the guidelines!!!!

Also remember it will be hard for you to get a job once here before you apply for registration and get a residence a card.

Regards
S