My spouse will soon enter the US on a K-3. What is the best way to apply for EAD?

1. Before applying for AOS -- Category (a)(9) (mail to Chicago Lockbox)
2. Concurrent with AOS -- Category ©(9) (mail to...?)
3. After AOS Application sent and Receipt received -- Category ©(9) (E-File)

Does one process take a longer or shorter amount of time than the other (because of the different Categories)? Is E-Filing (Option 3) any faster than the other options?


Thanks!

You can apply for both at the same time. If you wait until after you apply for AOS it might take longer.

this is best

2. Concurrent with AOS -- Category ( C )(9) (mail to chicago lockbox in the same envelope as AOS)

I would look at the average time that the biometrics are taking for your area...

if it is many months, then you might consider to do the EAD as e-file, since you should be able to call for an appointment immediately... then you can actually do the AOS biometric at the same time; effectively getting the AOS biometric in faster; speeding up that time.

The amount of time it takes to get a biometrics appointment is fairly dependant on whether you file EAD with your AOS. Almost everyone I've heard of got their biometrics within a month of filing for AOS/EAD, whereas those who filed only AOS often had to wait many months for biometrics.

Also, where would one find out the wait time for biometrics exactly? These times are not listed online anywhere as far as I know.