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Hi, I'm non-EEA living with Irish citizen who also has British citizenship.

I came to UK with EEA family permit (unmarried partner) last August and since the border agency website says I do not need to obtain residence card, I didn't bother. Then when I got job offers, I couldn't prove I have the right to work as my permit expired.
My understanding is the permit doesn't really expire as my partner is exercising treaty rights but if you do not have a proof it is hard to obtain work.
Now I have just applied for a residence card but reading forums I fear my COA might not allow me to work.
I had a right to work with my EEA family permit, but could it be overturned when I apply for the card as I am unmarried? Does that mean I could work only for the duration of EEA permit then until the card is issued I lose right to work?

It's a bit more complex for unmarried partners.

For unmarried partners, you have the right to work as long as you have a valid document. If you would have applied for RC while the EEA FP was valid, your CoA would have allowed you to work. I'm not sure this will be the case now that the EEA FP has expired.

tomi wrote:Hi, I'm non-EEA living with Irish citizen who also has British citizenship.

I came to UK with EEA family permit (unmarried partner) last August and since the border agency website says I do not need to obtain residence card, I didn't bother. Then when I got job offers, I couldn't prove I have the right to work as my permit expired.
My understanding is the permit doesn't really expire as my partner is exercising treaty rights but if you do not have a proof it is hard to obtain work.
Now I have just applied for a residence card but reading forums I fear my COA might not allow me to work.
I had a right to work with my EEA family permit, but could it be overturned when I apply for the card as I am unmarried? Does that mean I could work only for the duration of EEA permit then until the card is issued I lose right to work?

Usually COA for EEA2 RC applications on unmarried partner does not confirm the right of work because UKBA does not recognize the non-EU national as family member of EU national. However, in your case since you already got EEA FP then possibly you might get.

The should have issued a COA with a right to work.

Also see Ewulo

Thank you for your quick responses!!

My partner phoned up and they said I should have COA with right to work. I just hope the person who gets my application has the same opinion as her and you.

BTW, just for the information for other people, I did not live with my partner for 2 years before coming

Ok, i edit this as I don't want to give the wrong impression to the people who are going to apply that it was easy. We prepared lots of document of many aspects but they were something you would have if you have the durable relationship! I got the FP very shortly after my application.

Will if thats the only proof you provided, then the Secretary of state has the right to say the permit was issued by mistake, and refuse a residence card. It depends on the circumstance

@tomi

Could please provide the phone number that your partner has reached ?
would you also please provide the list of documents that you have submitted?

Thank you indeed

Cheers