Yes, this is a common problem with the UK system. Essentially, you have three options:

a) You can apply for another EEA Family Permit. But you have to do this outside of the UK, and you will need the marriage license for this, which is probably sitting with the EEA2 application at the Home Office.

b) You can come back without a new visa. This is tricky, but legally you cannot be refused as long as you can prove your case. Again you should really have the marriage license with you, and in addition this may be a bit stressful.

c) Try to speed up the application. You can ask your MP to talk to the Home Office on your behalf, although that is not guaranteed to work. The only reliable way is to submit the applications for EEA1 and EEA2 together, which means they only take about 2 months to process. And even that may change now that the Home Office is reorganising the European section.

Legally you case is very simple, but the Home Office likes to make things complicated. Just make sure that you know your rights, and it should be ok.

Tom

 

Member of Parliament, the person representing your area in the lower house. He/she is your contact into "politics".

Yes, that is the usual problem. You can ask to have it back (after all it is your document), or you ask for another copy from France.

I am not quite sure what you mean. Applying for the EEA Family Permit in France is slightly easier, but it will still take a while, and you need the marriage certificate.

Tom

 

Yes, that is possible, if she has a visa for France. But in that case I would actually recommend to go to the UK and apply for entry without a valid visa.

You will find this option in Section 11(4) of the Immigration Rules www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2006/uksi_20061003_en.pdf . Unfortunately you will also find in the casework instructions http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/siteco ... iew=Binary that they are really taking a "tough" stance on this, so it may be stressful, and you should only try this if you are travelling together.

The worst that can happen is that they send her back to France, and you have to try a different option.

Tom