Now I am happily confused.
After a weird mishap with the Home Office deleting my application and requesting two biometrics under two different case numbers let alone a whole lot of emails to the COA team, I am now the proud recipient of a 5-year residency card with right to work.
That being said, they haven't sent my passport and papers back! Also, my partner did not receive his card. Very odd indeed. But at least I can travel soon! That is if they haven't lost my documents.
Here's my timeline.
US citizen civilly partnered to an EU national (german) for 9 years (formerly was residing/working in Germany)
20.07.2015 application sent
21.07.2015 application received
22.07.2015 payment deducted
29.07.2015 acknowledgment to EEA National partner
03.08.2015 biometrics taken
01.09.2015 biometrics taken again
24.09.2015 biometrics letter (via email) with right to work**
05.10.2015 biometrics letter (post) received
16.12.2015 RC card received (didn't received my documents or approval letter yet)
**there was a major problem with my application, but where my COA was ridiculously late, my RC card came in before the acceptance letter. lol Oh well, I can put this to rest for another 4.5 years! woo hoo!
To those applying--in our supporting documents, we didn't provide payslips, just a contract and signed affidavit from the employer of my partner. It obviously sufficed.
A happy Christmas to all those that partake and a happy new year to all! I am soooo relieved!!!
--brizzel