Yes you can request it without affecting her application

 

I was in a similar situation about 6 months ago when I needed my passport when it was with Home Office for my wife's EEA4 application. I asked them to send it back and I received it about one week later. This didn't affect my wife's EEA4 application and the Home Office continued to process it without my passport. (I think they need the EEA person's passport only for initial identification)
We are still waiting for this application to be granted though. It's been 7 months now and we had to send additional proof of exercising of treaty rights 2 months ago but apparently this is not unusual, just the Home Office being hopelessly useless.

 

Hello,

I find myself in a similar predicament, we are about to submit my wife's EEA2, but I know that I will need my passport for business travel in January. Is it possible to replace my passport with some sort of authorised copy, or do I need to send my passport first and then request it back?

Thanks in advance.

 

You can send a certified copy of your passport or your national photo ID card with the initial application. It will not invalidate the application. If down the line the HO needs further documentation then they will write to you.

 

Thanks a lot Plum70,

I thought as much, I'm glad to have it confirmed.

Any suggestions where to go to have a certified copy made?

Cheers!