Hi There,

This may be a silly question, however, I recieved my e-mail yesterday (after 5 fricking months of waiting) that my EAD card is in production. I'm obviously eager to start working and want to know when I should start looking for jobs? Should I start now and just advise potential employers that my EAD card is pending and my SSN will be applied for shortly? I know SSN is notoriously bad for not having new EAD approvals in their system, but I really want to get the ball rolling. Any suggestions would be great!
-L

In my experience it's best to not say anything until they ask. Show them the EAD card and bring photocopies of evidence and proof from government agencies that this gives you FULL work authorization.

thanks! good luck at your interview tomorrow

Although it's been a while since I was issued my EAD (also after a 5 month wait) I would say that if the card is being produced, you're good to start looking for a job. Not wanting to deliberatly contradictory here but I would suggest the exact opposite of the previous poster and do you best to explain your exact immigrant status and where you are with your EAD. At some point before hiring you, any employer will need to confirm that you are eligible to work in the US and so getting that info out early will probably save you time and hassle in the long term.

The important thing to impress on any potential employer is the fact that once that card is in your hand (and day now) you are no more expensive or complicated to employ that any other American citizen. A common misconception with employers is the fact that because you're a new immigrant, there must be more paperwork and fees required to have you working for them. That is not true and the earlier you explain that, the better.

So... start looking, be persistent and make sure that you explain early that you are fully able to start work as soon as the card is delivered.

Best of luck.

Mark

I wouldn't mention it until they offer you the job. I believe all they can ask you as a qualifying HR question is do you have the right to work in the US without sponsorship. The answer is Yes - in my experience you only need to bring proof on the day you start work or when you complete your HR forms. It's not an issue, so why bring it up and give them cause for concern.

Start applying now! Good luck

Good Luck

I was wondering who actually process the EAD/AP petition? Is it the local office or MSC? The 90 days time frame is from the receipt date or the notice date? Thanks and good luck to all of us!

MSC processes EAD AP .

I started applying for jobs Nov1 and went to 2 interviews before the first people called me up for the second interview and a Job offer. Got Card production ordered Dec 18 and Job offer on the same day (what coincidence) I got the card in the mail Dec 24 and applied for SSN Dec 26. Got SSN Card in mail in a week.

Wow - great timing! You planned it perfectly.

What do you mean by EAD? Is that the work permission? I got my fingerprints taken today (1/15/08) and I have a job interview next Wednesday 23rd. They told me it would take between 30-90 days to get the card in the mail. This job could be the opportunity of my life and I am really concerned about not having the actual card in my hands. Do you think that would be a problem?
I would appreciate any of your help on this matter.

Thank you very much,
Jose M. Burgos

josemiguelburgos@hotmail.com

EAD gives you permission to work for any employer in USA. When you go for interview they will definitely ask you for SSN and if your current VISA allows you to work. You have to write SSN and driving lic details in those forms which they do some security checks with.

It is best to let the employer know your status so that they will wait for your card to arrive. If you are okay for them they should be able to wait for you till your EAD card arrives. more than EAD they require SSN which you will be getting after your EAD. Once you get EAD apply for SSN same day and go to ssn office in some days and ask for your ssn number rather than waiting for mail copy of SSN. get your driving license with SSN address proof and hope things work out well for you....good luck

I already have a SSN and I will keep the number after I get the EAD. So, if they offer me the job, should I just take it and tell them that my AED will be arriving anytime soon?