EAD Renewal Issue

[ADRII15 6]

Hi everyone,

I have some questions regarding renewing my EAD.

My situation: I filed for AOS/EAD/AP in early December 2014, and waited for almost a year to have an AOS interview scheduled (November 10th). Since I was out of the country that week (went home to see very ill grandparents one last time), I asked to reschedule my interview, which was granted. Early December I received a new date: December 23rd, 2015. I went to Denver for the interview and at the end of the interview, the officer said everything looked good, but that he was missing paperwork (routed to another USCIS office?), and could not approve my green card just yet. This came as a shock, since all timelines I had seen usually reported receiving approval the same or next day. I asked him how this would affect my EAD, since it expires February 11th. He said I would hear something within the next 2 to 3 weeks, so not to worry about the EAD.

However, as I'm sure you'll understand, that's hard not to do. I've been employed since April and just got promoted in December. I enjoy my job. I had never considered having to renew the EAD since I received the interview date and did not expect any hiccups with the Green Card (stupid, I know..). Now my options are to trust the officer and wait another week and a half to see what happens, or to prepare a new I-765, sent it in, and try to get the application expedited based on the circumstances (job loss -> financial hardship?).

Has anyone recently had success getting their EAD renewal expedited? Should I just call USCIS as soon as I receive a notice that they've received my package, or also get my local congressman involved (any tips on doing so)? Any suggestions about proof that I can sent to avoid an RFE (I was thinking about a letter from my boss as well as financial documents regarding the importance of my income)?

Lastly, I haven't heard from the HR department yet about the looming expiration date. Should I contact them? Do I get in trouble if I work beyond the expiration date, or is it the employer who gets in trouble?

Thanks in advance for any comments. This community has been great for getting through the K-1/AOS process. I thought most of the frustration was behind us, but not just yet