EAD expedite process/eligibility

[ANOR 5]

Hi AOS filers, 

 

Hoping to get some sharing from those who have done/know about this topic. We submitted my AOS back in Jul 2018, seems like the normal processing time to get an EAD now is 4-6 months. I know AOS takes a long time, but was only hoping it would take 3 months to get an EAD like it used to. I don't have an offer letter yet, but at the same time, it's hard to apply for jobs since first thing most companies would ask you is if you have an EAD before even talk to you. Does anyone know about expedite process for EAD for AOS filers? Do we need an offer letter to be able to put in that request or we can send along a document explaning why we would need the EAD to be expedited? Thanks for sharing. 

[geowrian 22,335]

You can request an expedite under any expedite criteria (https://www.uscis.gov/forms/expedite-criteria). However, having a firm job offer has been the most tested and approved reason.

An expedite because you need an EAD to get a job offer won't cut it.

[Ben&Zian 4,397]

Yes helps to have a job offer to show.

[Boiler 43,434]

Agree with the Job offer helping.

[debbiedoo 2,339]

Without a job offer, requesting an expedite is fairly futile.

 

 

[eckoin 211]

If it helps, I applied for jobs before I had authorization (not EAD in my case, at the time, but nonetheless--I had no authorization at the time).

 

Skip the companies that ask if you're currently eligible to work in the United States, unless you really want that position.  In my experience, every single one of those companies ignored my application when I said "no".  Also skip the companies that ask that question for some jobs, but not others.  I applied to a position that didn't explicitly ask, but their other positions did, and they told me to GTFO when I said I needed to gain work authorization.

 

Companies that do not ask that question are fair game.  Don't mention it anywhere in the application.  Apply as if you're ready to start work whenever they say you're hired.

 

At the end of your first interview, mention that if you're successful, you would need an offer letter from the company to get the work authorization, but that you do not require sponsorship of any sort.  Make sure to mention that you don't require sponsorship, because they will otherwise assume you need an H1B.  A lot will clarify that you don't need an H1B anyway, just in case they misheard.  If they balk at this, 98% chance it won't work out, don't put too much thought to it.  Look for others.

 

In my experience, most companies that fall into the second category (who don't ask if you're currently eligible to work), typically have no issues with the arrangement.  I've had one company that agreed, and then let me know that the upper management put a stop to it, and it was technically a new-grad rotational program, not a full-time job per se.  Everyone else was relieved to hear they don't have to worry about H1B and said they have no issues providing an offer letter than meets specifications.

 

If asked how long they have to wait, say that you're hopeful it gets issued quickly.  If pressed, say that you're hopeful that it gets resolved in a couple of weeks, maybe a month.  Stress that you're very interested in building a professional relationship with the company and that you will do everything in your power to expedite the process but you foresee no issues.

 

Worst case, you're denied for the EAD expedite, but with a solid offer letter, you should be fine.  Of course, it absolutely helps that the position is within your field of study, and/or a really good financial opportunity, and/or a rare find for your field, etc.  Also helps if you have some explanation that your family kinda needs the cash.

[ajay007 43]

22 hours ago, ANOR said:

Hi AOS filers, 

 

Hoping to get some sharing from those who have done/know about this topic. We submitted my AOS back in Jul 2018, seems like the normal processing time to get an EAD now is 4-6 months. I know AOS takes a long time, but was only hoping it would take 3 months to get an EAD like it used to. I don't have an offer letter yet, but at the same time, it's hard to apply for jobs since first thing most companies would ask you is if you have an EAD before even talk to you. Does anyone know about expedite process for EAD for AOS filers? Do we need an offer letter to be able to put in that request or we can send along a document explaning why we would need the EAD to be expedited? Thanks for sharing. 

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/expedite-criteria here is your answer.