Hi,

I have a query regarding eligibility and process for British citizenship in context of EEA regulations.

I am a non-EEA national married to EEA national. I came to UK in Jan 2006 on a work permit and my spouse followed a month later (Feb 2006). Since then we have continued to live in the UK and I received the EEA Residence permit (via form EEA2) in Jan 2008, expiring in Jan 2013. My spouse has been exercising her treaty rights via self-employment and permanent employment throughout this period.

Since I have been in the UK for 5 years and 10 months, I assume that I automatically qualified for permanent residence at the end of 5 years i.e. Jan 2011. I have read several forums and looked at the UKBA regulations on EEA/British Citizenship but I am unclear on whether I can apply for British Citizenship directly next year in Jan 2012 e.g. at the end of my 6 year stay here OR do I have to first apply for permanent residence via EEA4 application. The UKBA site as well as forums provide conflicting information on this.

What I have managed to glean is that EEA4 form will allow me to make a stronger case for British citizenship (with less evidence needed) but I don’t feel like wasting another 5-6 months to get the permanent residence stamp through Home Office.

Any advice on this or examples from individuals in similar situation would be very helpful.

Thanks
J

P.s. Does it make sense to have a lawyer/immigration adviser help or process the application in this case?