I am posting this to try help someone or give hope.
I filled my application in the 1st week of May.
I did my biometrics in the 1st week of June.
then after that nothing. On the 8th August, i put in a SR; nothing, just says my case is under review
8th of September i put in another SR, gave the same response.
8th of November, at the 6 months mark, i called and a very nice level 2 officer told me it shouldn't have taken this long and filled an expedite, i was so excited when she told me i will get a response in 5 days, well i got a response, but all it said was that my case was under review.
On the 8th January (8 months mark), i contacted Ombusdman by filling in this form
https://cisomb.dhs.gov/oca/form7001.aspx).
11th January - I received an update about my EAD approval.
12th January - Your Card is in Production
18th January - We sent your card to the address provided
20th January - Card in hand.
This had a very very adverse effect on my life and my marriage, my husband never envisioned that things will get this hard. There were times we contemplated just scrapping everything, we'd argue a lot because i was now becoming a big big burden. But i am just happy its all over as regards work authorisation.
My husband will take me to apply for my SSN so i can try find work.
If your relationship is worth it, just stick it through and be patient.
We are patiently waiting for our interview to be scheduled, but this alone is a big big weight off our shoulder and a big weight off our marriage/relationship.
I wish everyone good luck and will definitely recommend contacting OMBUDSMAN.