Hi! Has anyone submitted an eea2 application from outside the uk?

I'm a us national currently residing in ireland with my partner who is a dutch national. My partner is freelancing and we have a decent amount in savings. We are interested in moving to the uk, as it's better for both of our careers. However, i'm currently applying to jobs as i meet the tier 2 requirements and will need to travel if i'm invited for an interview. We have are application together as we have recently submitted our eu application in ireland as my visa was running out. We can prove we've been in a relationship for more than 2 years and have been living together for almost 2 years.

Is the process time just as long applying from outside the uk? Does my partner need to be in the uk before the application, or is it ok to apply from ireland and show that she has been paid for freelance work and has savings to support us both? We both have vhi comprehensive medical insurance from ireland.

Any help/advice will be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

is the eea family permit required even if you qualify for the visa waiver? What does the ea permit do? Will it allow me to work as and unmarried partner/extended family member? How long does it take to get an eea family permit? Thanks.