I-765 ( EAD) expedite request before or after biometrics?

[Immiiz 0]

Hi,

I filed EB2 I-485, I765, I-131, I-140 Concurrently 4 months ago (Texas Service Centre).

I want to put expedite request for my EAD (I-765) as my Employment Authorization ( based on my non-immigrant Visa) is expiring in March 2022.

I just received "I-485" Biometrics Appointment scheduled for January 19, 2022.

Question is Should put my I-765 (EAD) expedite request before or after my I-485 Biometrics appointment? Please note that Biometrics is for I-485 and not for I-765 ( not sure if Biometrics are required for I-765? ).

Will USCIS entertain I-765 (EAD) expedite request before I-485 Biometrics? Please advise

[Chancy 6,241]

*** Moved from General Immigration-Related Discussion to Working & Traveling During US Immigration, where topics related to EAD processing are discussed ***

 

[Loren Y 2,755]

You cannot request an expedite until your biometrics is complete. You can even call the same day after you biometrics is completed, but has to be after. They will know when you call to request if you have completed the biometrics. I had no issues with an expedite back in 2019, and I know last year my friend called to request one literally an hour after they left the biometrics appointment. Back when I did the expedite it took exactly a month from the phone call to have everything completed and approved. After you request it, gather all the evidence you need and have it ready to Fax the moment you receive the letter requesting it. A day after faxing everything to the officer reviewing our expedite, the status on the USCIS website updated to card being produced, and 3 days later we had the card in the mail. Took 3 weeks to receive the letter requesting evidence, but once we faxed it in, the decision was quick.

 

Also, as a side note, since you have the appointment letter, you can try doing an early walk-in to get them done earlier. IF your not far from the office it may be worth a try. My wife and I had no issues, and others have had no problem getting an early walk in, but it depends on the office.

 

Also, look at the bottom of your appointment letter, if you have 2 barcodes one is for I-485, the other is for EAD. I think it says it under the barcode. They will stamp that appointment letter with the date and everything when you get the biometrics done, so keep the letter with the stamp on it just in case.

Edited December 29, 2021 by Loren Y