Would it be possible for me to first obtain credit for my licence and then pursue my instrument rating at a later date time?

To take advantage of the provisions in 2020/723, credit of instrument rating (IR) from third country must be applied together with the application for crediting of the licence.

To obtain an aeroplane licence and instrument rating, the training course must be conducted as one abbreviated course, and the skill test may be flown as a combined test or a separate test within a reasonable time.

To obtain a helicopter license and instrument rating, such as the CPL(H) and IR(H), the training course may be split into two abbreviated courses. The licence skill test may be flown on a single piston helicopter, while the training course and skill test for the IR(H) must be completed on an instrument certificated helicopter. The IR(H) course and skill test must be completed within a reasonable time after the licence skill test.