I am unsure of the correct visa application path, and need some advice.

I am an Australian national, and have been living in the UK for more than 5 years. I was originally on a working holiday visa until late 2001, then a work permit valid until April 2006.

I married my Czech partner in the UK in December 2004, and have had the marriage certificate certified.

The motorsport company I have the work permit through is struggling financially and I have been made redundant, so I currently have a six month holiday visa in my passport valid until end of May 2006. I have put plans in place with a UK business partner to establish a new company (which will effectively make me self-employed) which has been backed financially by HSBC.

My wife is currently in the UK on a student visa, but has also been living in the UK for 5 years. Her current foundation degree course finishes in July 2006, and she has a further 2 years of full-time study in London arranged. She is classed as a home student by the UK government. We have been living together for 3 1/2 years and have a mortgage here.

Should we apply for the EEA family permit in the UK? Will my tourist visa status cause problems? Should my wife apply for the WRS (though she is a student) which will allow me to apply for the non-EEA EEC3?

Once the EEA family permit is issued I can prove with bank statements that my income is enought to support both of us, and my wife could apply for 'self suffificent person' status, which would effectively give us in-definate leave to remain. Is this correct?

There is a policy change due in late April early May 2006 - does anybody know what the new procedures might involve?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

Just a quick note to say thanks. My wife and I received our passports back within 10 weeks of the applications. I now have a 1 year residence permit.

Thanks again, Chris and Dana.