mila_uk wrote:We asked for all documents back (without withdrawing the application) so can they still process the application?
They said in the letter "do not send the passport back till you get contacted by the case worker" which suggests they might need it (and we will be abroad...) at some point..
Did you get all documents back or just the passport? If you got all the documents back, the application will probably not get processed any more. If only the passports, it will.
The letter is a standard letter. They normally don't ask for the passport in a later stage just issue the vignette on a standalone paper.
They also wrote that to re-enter UK the non-EU needs to have a family permit from a British diplomatic post abroad. Not sure if that's the standard thing they say or does it mean she cannot come back if her RC is expired?
As you are saying otherwise. Should we write to/call them to rectify?
Also when I called the HO helpline they said that HO cannot guarantee she can re-enter UK by herself?? Doesn't really make us feel very safe

This is a standard letter and a standard reply from the helpline. They don't want to guarantee anything. If your wife is a non visa national, then she can travel to the UK and enter (best together with you) even with expired RC as she would enter as a spouse of EEA national. If she is a visa national, she will find it difficult to board a flight with an expired RC. In that case, she might need to apply for a Family Permit to travel.
It seems that your wife has PR status already so either apply for a PR Confirmation now (if you have time before you leave) or when you are back (as long as you are not absent more than 2 years. Keep evidence of your travel as it can become handy when applying).
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