Permanent Residence of EEA Family Member

[it91]

I am asking on behalf of a friend who has been in the UK for almost 5 years with EA Family Member Residence Card. He would like to apply for Permanent Residence Card and then naturalisation, by following the old system, without getting involved with SS if possible.

He has been in the UK in the given time (he doesn’t spend time outside the UK for more than X number of days as requested by HO). However his EU citizen wife, every now on then had to visit her family back in her country, due to health reasons. And overall she might have spent only 2 years in this total 5 years time.

The question is: If the non EU wants PR status, although he didn’t exceed the absent days limit, is he still subject to the EU spouse’s actions? Also firstly should the spouse get PR and then he’ll be linked to her application?

I have also heard that SS allows for longer period of absences from the UK. In this case would applying to SS for one of them or both would be advantageous?

Thanks

[it91]

For some reason “SS Route” is changed to Surrinder Singh route in my question. Please bear it in mind answering it. Thanks!

[CR001]

Instead of typing the abbreviation, just type settled status in full!!!