EAD is it worth it??

[claudi1176 2]

Hi all,

we have just received my K1 visa and I am in the US alsready. So now I am just wondering

1. Do I have to file for EAD or is it optional?? I believe it is optional, but I am not sure...

2. Is it worth spending the extra money? How long does it typically take for the EAD to come through and when did you all get your Green Card?

I am just wondering because I have two friends, both received the Green Card very soon after EAD (one 4 weeks later and one six weeks later).

I would love to hear from you all and what your experience was.

THANK YOU ALL and GOOD LUCK to everybody with your journey!

[sweet cakes 326]

Hi all,

we have just received my K1 visa and I am in the US alsready. So now I am just wondering

1. Do I have to file for EAD or is it optional?? I believe it is optional, but I am not sure...

2. Is it worth spending the extra money? How long does it typically take for the EAD to come through and when did you all get your Green Card?

I am just wondering because I have two friends, both received the Green Card very soon after EAD (one 4 weeks later and one six weeks later).

I would love to hear from you all and what your experience was.

THANK YOU ALL and GOOD LUCK to everybody with your journey!

Both EAD and AP application are optional but FREE (cost is waived) if applied with AOS. Since processing time may take 6 or more months for AOS, it is highly advisable that people apply for the EAD and AP as well.

AOS timelines vastly vary for each case, whereas EAD/AP is processed in approximately 60-90 days.

Edited June 2, 2014 by sweet cakes

[UK-USA-K1 128]

Everything posted in the 1st reply is absolutely true. I'd just like to add a little bit.

EAD is worth it if you plan to work. If you aren't planning on working, then it really doesn't matter because all it does is allow you to work while awaiting the green card. If you want to work apply....if not, then don't waste the time.

AP is important if there is the slightest chance you will need to leave the country while your case is processing, such as a family medical emergency or some such thing. If you don't have AP and you leave to soon, you likely won't be allowed back into the country and you'll have to start a whole new process.

As stated above, both are free if you file them at the same time as the AOS, so if there's even a small chance you'll use them, apply for them.

[claudi1176 2]

But isn't it true that for EAD form there is a fee?? Not sure if I remember it correctly but I thought it was about 400$ or so??

If it truly is free, I would certainly apply for it!!

[sweet cakes 326]

But isn't it true that for EAD form there is a fee?? Not sure if I remember it correctly but I thought it was about 400$ or so??

If it truly is free, I would certainly apply for it!!

There is definitely NO fee for EAD if applied with AOS or during processing of AOS. See NOTE on Page 9 of I-765 instructions: http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-765instr.pdf

Edited June 2, 2014 by sweet cakes

[Pitaya 2,576]

~Moved from K-1 Process to Family-based AOS Forum~

~inquiry is AOS-related, not K-1~

[emik 0]

Quote from the USCIS instructions page:

"If you filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, as of July 30, 2007, and you paid the Form I-485 filing fee, no fee is required to also file a request for employment authorization on Form I-765. You may file the Form I-765 with your Form I-485, or you may submit the Form I-765 at a later date. If you file Form I-765 separately, you must also submit a copy of your Form I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt as evidence of the filing of Form I-485 as of July 30, 2007."

Link: http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-765instr.pdf

[Darnell 8,478]

But isn't it true that for EAD form there is a fee?? Not sure if I remember it correctly but I thought it was about 400$ or so??

If it truly is free, I would certainly apply for it!!

truly truly truly -- yea verily and filled with truthiness -

the fee for EAD is waived - nullified to zero - when filed with the I-485.

ya don't get many freebies with USCIS - might as well take advantage of this one

[Kiwinyc 62]

You can't get a local Drivers license without your EAD either.

It would be short sighted not to apply for your EAD and AP along with AOS. It is free when done at the same time as AOS as the others have said, however you can still apply for it (and AP) after you've submitted the AOS and the fee is again waived if you enclose a copy of the NOA Receipt for the i-485 with a subsequent EAD/AP application.

[Julie+Matt 84]

If you apply for ap & ead with the aos, how long until you're able to work? I need to know how long I'll be covering the expenses for both of us (at least with the tsc backlog, I'll be able to save up a lot of money...though I'd rather it be sooner cuz I miss him)

[Darnell 8,478]

45 to 92 days.

[claudi1176 2]

Well that is great news, I really thought, there was a fee. So, thank you all for your answers

[Melina+Rodrigo 2]

Definitely apply for an EAD. We got ours 2 months after we filed. Like someone said above, you will need the EAD to get a driver´s license here. It´s also easier to get a SS# with it too.

[Fan_Dancer 171]

I got my EAD 2 months after I send the papers, and my GC 14 months from the date of the filling for both of them. So yes, being able to work and travel was great, while waiting for over a year for that stupid GC.

[Gosia & Tito 199]

But isn't it true that for EAD form there is a fee?? Not sure if I remember it correctly but I thought it was about 400$ or so??

If it truly is free, I would certainly apply for it!!

You can also use the EAD to get your drivers license earlier. Tipically, they would issue one only unitl the duration of the I-94. If the GC gets delayed, you will not ahve one until then