Seperated EEA family member to apply for BC?
Posted: Mon May 27, 2013 9:18 pm
I am a non-EU family member currently on the EEA Family Member Residence Card. I separated from my husband (my sponsor) last year and he has now left the country. Since we were married for more than 3 years I know I have retained my rights and can remain here.
My problem however is that I like to travel to Europe (Schengen countries) a lot to participate in sports. Since I'm not travelling with my husband, I now need a Schengen visa every time I want to go to Europe, which is very costly, time consuming and not to mention the hassle. Plus now my native (South African) passport is already full so I need to renew it. That is why I want to apply for British citizenship. Basically I want to be able to travel and move around freely in Europe.
- I moved to the UK in 2006 on working holiday visa
- I married a Hungarian in 2008
- Got the 5 year EEA Family member residence card valid until 2014
- Separated from my husband in 2012
- Husband left the UK in 2013
Do I need to apply for Permanent Residence first? Or can I apply straight for naturalisation due to the fact I have been here 7 years? If I need to get permanent residence first, will that allow me any better travel options or will I still need the Schengen visa? If I need permanent residence, when can I apply and can I apply without any documentation from my husband?
My problem however is that I like to travel to Europe (Schengen countries) a lot to participate in sports. Since I'm not travelling with my husband, I now need a Schengen visa every time I want to go to Europe, which is very costly, time consuming and not to mention the hassle. Plus now my native (South African) passport is already full so I need to renew it. That is why I want to apply for British citizenship. Basically I want to be able to travel and move around freely in Europe.
- I moved to the UK in 2006 on working holiday visa
- I married a Hungarian in 2008
- Got the 5 year EEA Family member residence card valid until 2014
- Separated from my husband in 2012
- Husband left the UK in 2013
Do I need to apply for Permanent Residence first? Or can I apply straight for naturalisation due to the fact I have been here 7 years? If I need to get permanent residence first, will that allow me any better travel options or will I still need the Schengen visa? If I need permanent residence, when can I apply and can I apply without any documentation from my husband?