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Hey everyone,

I recently got an EEA FP with dates valid from July 25th, 2012 until Jan 25th, 2013.

In my application I stated that we would travel on Sept 15th, which was an approximate date within our plans, and I also though that the permit was valid for SIX MONTHS from the date of ISSUE (Which I was wrong, since the visa officer put an entry date 2 months from now).

My question is: Is it possible to enter the UK before this date or would I have to reapply for a new permit?

My question arises from the fact that in preparation to go there I started applying for jobs ( I have heard it can take 2 -3 months or more to find jobs in the UK) and got a response from a company that is interested in hiring me and to start work by mid June at the latest. I am just afraid that they might revoke my permit if I re-apply changing the dates or something like that, plus I wouldn't want to let this job opprtunity pass me by.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Are you a visa national ?(i.e. do you require a visa to enter the UK as a tourist?).

If visa national, you would need to wait until the permit is valid.

If not a visa national, you would not have needed a visa.

marco_m wrote:Hey everyone,

I recently got an EEA FP with dates valid from July 25th, 2012 until Jan 25th, 2013.

In my application I stated that we would travel on Sept 15th, which was an approximate date within our plans, and I also though that the permit was valid for SIX MONTHS from the date of ISSUE (Which I was wrong, since the visa officer put an entry date 2 months from now).

My question is: Is it possible to enter the UK before this date or would I have to reapply for a new permit?

My question arises from the fact that in preparation to go there I started applying for jobs ( I have heard it can take 2 -3 months or more to find jobs in the UK) and got a response from a company that is interested in hiring me and to start work by mid June at the latest. I am just afraid that they might revoke my permit if I re-apply changing the dates or something like that, plus I wouldn't want to let this job opprtunity pass me by.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

I actually think you are lucky that the decision maker exercised common sense. An EEA family permit is usually issued for six months and can be applied for up to three months in advance. It would appear that the ECO post dated it as much as they could for you. They might have just returned it.

Why did you put down 15th September if you wanted to go earlier? I'm all for advance planning of course, but within reason.

marco_m wrote:...2 months from now...

I expect your permit was processed 25/4 more or less given that we are in April. July 25 ties up with the three months I quoted earlier.

If you must, you can apply again. Remember that interviews are not job offers, you may need to be patient. If an employer is really interested, they may be flexible. Interviews don't always have to be face to face either.

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for the replies! yes I need a visa to enter the country and I planned for Sept because that was the original idea also based on the fact that up until last week I was supposed to be relocated by my company once more for 2 or 3 months, so I thought I would do that and then go to the UK. Of course, things have changed and now I am not required to go abroad anymore so I am able to go to the UK with my wife before.

It seems that I would have to re-apply for a new permit if I would go earlier. Of course I know that an interview is not a job offer, but I am planning and considering all options if I was given a job offer since it is with a very large company with excellent benefits and salary that I wouldn't want to pass by because of a validity issue on my permit

I have bit difference questions: how many days did it take till you get the FP? and where did you apply for it? Many thanks, meea.

mEEA wrote:I have bit difference questions: how many days did it take till you get the FP? and where did you apply for it? Many thanks, meea.

it took exactly 6 days to get it approved. i applied in Bogota - Colombia because I am currently stationed here for work, but I am an Ecuadorian national.

I do recommend providing as many documents and information including originals, since when they return your passport, they also return all documents you provide.

marco_m wrote:Hello Everyone,

Thanks for the replies! yes I need a visa to enter the country and I planned for Sept because that was the original idea also based on the fact that up until last week I was supposed to be relocated by my company once more for 2 or 3 months, so I thought I would do that and then go to the UK. Of course, things have changed and now I am not required to go abroad anymore so I am able to go to the UK with my wife before.

It seems that I would have to re-apply for a new permit if I would go earlier. Of course I know that an interview is not a job offer, but I am planning and considering all options if I was given a job offer since it is with a very large company with excellent benefits and salary that I wouldn't want to pass by because of a validity issue on my permit

If I were you, I'd look to enter the UK in July. You have your family permit; others would be very happy to be in your position.

If an employer really want to see you, you could make alternative arrangements.

thanks for the info about the timeline of getting your permit. congratulations

one more question, you supplied what sorts of information?

mEEA wrote:thanks for the info about the timeline of getting your permit. congratulations :-)

one more question, you supplied what sorts of information?

You might be better asking your own questions in your own thread. Unless you have exactly the same type of application as the OP it won't necessarily be comparable.

Dear EuSmilesWeAllSmile,

Thanks for the comment. I will try to do as you say. But here I was simply interested in the details of the application of marco_m. I could by no means come to know about his application details if asked under my thread.

Rgds, meea.

marco_m,

You can go back to the British Embassy and ask them to issue you with a new EEA Family Permit valid from, say, 2 weeks from now. You will have to resubmit your passport, the passport or ID card of your family member, and your marriage certificate.

It should be issued quickly and easily.

I would include a small cover letter which explains you have decided to travel earlier than you originally expected, and thank them for their timely attention to the issue of your FP.