Chinese spouse via EEA route in 2018

[ryuzaki]

Hi. I'm looking at using the EEA route next year (2018) for my Chinese fiancee whom I hope to marry soon. I'd like some advice on if this is likely to work, as if it doesn't the consequences could be quite bad for her.

We have been together for over 5 years. She does not speak English and is having trouble learning (the only near-by schools are all full of kids, she feels like a dunce) so we are looking at the EEA route. I will quit my job in the UK and do a contract or permanent position in an EEA country for 6+ months, maybe a few years if it's a good job.

Of course we will try to integrate, although I think it unlikely that we will be able to master the local language. I have health issues (ME) that make studying after work difficult, for example, although this might not be an issue if we end up in Ireland.

Presumably it would be best to plan to apply under the EEA system before March 2019. Obviously this is a very tight timescale, especially as I have to find a job too.

Does this seem like a reasonable plan? I imagine the HO will resist.

[ryuzaki]

In particular I'm worried about the current guidance which states:

"the purpose of the residence in the EEA host country was not as a means to circumvent any UK immigration law applying to non-EEA nationals (e.g. the Immigration Rules)"

I thought that the ECJ ruled that the reason was irrelevant.