EEA4 Application - Problem with the Proof of Residency

[London call]

Hi there,

I have a question regarding EEA4 application ( PR ) requirements - specifically on proof of residency.

I am a non-EEA national married to an EEA national and we are both living in UK. We got married in September, 07 before any of us started living here.

As my wife always loved London and was free of visa obligations; she wanted to try her chances and find a job here; lucky enough she came to London around October, 07 and found a permanent job in 2 weeks time. We were not aware of any laws/rules regarding EEA national family member rights, EU Treaty etc. So I got a 6 months business visa using one of my UK based consultants and arrived to London first time in Jan, 2008 to visit her and have a first hand opinion about UK.

I have stayed in London couple of weeks and after a research learnt about the EEA2 application process and than applied for a residence card in February 2008. There rest is unfortunately a very common story as I have received a Certificate of Acknowledgement letter on April 2008 and my application was with Home Office till September 2009; around 19 months...

I didnt send my passport but my non-EEA national ID card with the application so while they were processing my application I could still travel and deal with my overseas business. I have travelled many times but not stayed out of UK more than 6 months in a year.

As we didnt know the immigration laws/rules I really didn`t dare/try to register to any GP, wasnt in council tax or tenancy agreements or did not open a bank account in UK ( of course banks doesnt let you open an account if you are not resident anyway ). I had enough money to live and travel; also my wife was working and was resident so all official documentation - utility bills, credit card applications, tenancy agreements - were all on her name. You can say that we made a big mistake there but honestly we were not aware of the residency requirements regarding the proof of continues residency.

While waiting for my residence card we have moved twice and everytime I have informed Home Office and they kept the correspendence using up to date addresses. I have letters from Home Office sent to 3 different addresses during April 2008 till today.

Anyway, around March 2009 I have received a job offer and on June 2009 than started working in London; after that got a NI number, bank accounts etc.

So this is my and my wife`s employment and resident history; she will apply for her permanent residency in October 12 but I am not sure when I can do the same as I have that period between Jan 2008 till June 2009 in my residency history that I can only prove being in UK by Home Office letters sent to 3 different addresses and entry stamps on my passport.

My question is; if I apply for the PR using EEA4 on Jan 2013 will HO accept me a being resident starting from Jan 2008 ?

Thanks for reading; I know it is a bit tricky one but I still hope that someone can please advice.

Best regards.

[Jambo]

You can use the entry stamps in your passport as proof of residence during that period.

[London call]

Thank you for your reply ; we will probably send both my wife`s EEA3 and my EEA4 together in Feb, 13 and then see the result.

Best regards.