Hello!

Hope someone can help me here.

I have a residence card for the UK based on my late husband having a european passport.
Now, I have another 2.5 years to do in the UK in order to get perm res (the card I currently have expires in 2013.)
Please can some one advise on what can be done with a residence card? Are you able to apply for a british passport after receiving the perm res? What are the conditions for keeping the res card. How long can you be in and out of the country travelling for?

Any other help and information would be appreciated!
Thanks!