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Hi all

I've learned a LOT from previous threads and I didn't see these questions answered so I hope you can help.

Background: I am a Canadian citizen who will be joining my German partner in UK on an EU family permit in June. We are planning to apply as unmarried partners (by then we will have evidence of 2 years cohabitation), but are considering getting married if it would help ease things.

I understand the family permit is good for 6 months and I must apply for residence card (EEA2) within this period. Immediately after I arrive in UK in June I will need to go to Italy for work meetings (I am a freelancer who runs trainings)

1. Am I free (as a Canadian) to re-enter the UK multiple times on the Family Permit within the 6 months, e.g., to travel to Italy for work in July?

2. Will it be a problem if I submit my residence card application one month after arriving on the family permit? e.g., Arrive in UK 10 July and submit for RC on 10 Aug? Or is it recommended to submit it ASAP?

3. If I apply for RC on 10 Aug is it likely that I would be able to request to get my passport back for another work-related trip on 1 Oct, while the RC is being processed?

4. One last, related question: my partner does not currently have an EEA registration certificate, though he will have proof of exercising treaty rights, e.g., work contracts/payslips. If we are married will lack of reg. certificate be an issue for my RC application? Or is it only a problem if we are applying as unmarried partners (e.g., I do not get automatic right to work until my RC is issued)? I read about people submitting for EEA1 and EEA2 at the same time, is this recommended?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

The main reason why your questions were not answered before, is that they are mostly non-issues

1. as Canadian you are a non-visa national, so you can enter the UK even without EEA FP as often as you want. In general, an EEA FP indeed allows multi-entry (within its validity period of course).
2. apply for RC as soon as possible, no reason to postpone
3. yes, you can request your passport back while the application is being dealt with. This is clearly explained on the UKBA website
4. your partner does not need a registration certificate, but of course if you apply for it together with your RC, it doesn't take any extra time or evidence and that's why people often apply for EEA1 and EEA2 simultaneously. It may be useful to have if you consider to settle in Germany sometime in the future