Apply for jobs with I-485 approved but no GC

[BH&JK 10]

Hi all,

 

My wife’s I-485 was approved on 3/3 but we haven’t had any updates since then other than receiving the approval notice via mail yesterday. She’s been browsing jobs and found a few that look really appealing but the application windows will close soon. Is it possible/legal for her to apply for jobs with just the approval notice but no Greencard on hand yet? Can she say that she’s legally allowed to work in the US? I saw in another thread that apparently printing green cards is delayed right now, just want to make sure we do everything by the book but also don’t waste any possible employment opportunities! 
 

Thanks in advance! 

[Crazy Cat 39,522]

5 minutes ago, BH&JK said:

Is it possible/legal for her to apply for jobs with just the approval notice but no Greencard on hand yet? Can she say that she’s legally allowed to work in the US?

Yes and yes.  

Edited March 14, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Chancy 6,233]

*** Moved from AOS from K1 Visas forum to Working & Traveling During US Immigration, to be among other threads about authorization to work ***

 

55 minutes ago, BH&JK said:

Is it possible/legal for her to apply for jobs with just the approval notice but no Greencard on hand yet? Can she say that she’s legally allowed to work in the US?

 

As mentioned above, it is legal for her to apply for jobs and say that she is authorized to work in the US.  Note that when she does get hired, she will be required to present documents evidencing such.  In her case, that would be her physical GC, or her valid state ID/driver's license + unrestricted SSN card.

 

[Mr Geminian 691]

On 3/14/2023 at 2:23 PM, BH&JK said:

Hi all,

 

My wife’s I-485 was approved on 3/3 but we haven’t had any updates since then other than receiving the approval notice via mail yesterday. She’s been browsing jobs and found a few that look really appealing but the application windows will close soon. Is it possible/legal for her to apply for jobs with just the approval notice but no Greencard on hand yet? Can she say that she’s legally allowed to work in the US? I saw in another thread that apparently printing green cards is delayed right now, just want to make sure we do everything by the book but also don’t waste any possible employment opportunities! 
 

Thanks in advance! 

When you filed for I-485, did you also apply for I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD) ? if so, that should've been approved by now and she can use that until the green card arrives.

[BH&JK 10]

Just now, Mr Geminian said:

When you filed for I-485, did you also apply for I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD) ? if so, that should've been approved by now and she can use that until the green card arrives.

We did concurrently file for EAD, but that is still pending (I would assume they’ll cancel/dismiss that application now). It seems like some people are getting their GC approved before EAD/AP.

[Mr Geminian 691]

2 minutes ago, BH&JK said:

We did concurrently file for EAD, but that is still pending (I would assume they’ll cancel/dismiss that application now). It seems like some people are getting their GC approved before EAD/AP.

That is correct. Since the case was approved on 3/3 and I'm guessing you should've received the I-797 somewhere between March 6-11. I'm guessing the card has been sent to Kentucky for printing and you should be receiving it soon. If it goes beyond 30 days then submit a E-Request. If you have a USCIS online account, you can see the detailed status of your case. 

[Mr Geminian 691]

On 3/14/2023 at 2:23 PM, BH&JK said:

Hi all,

 

My wife’s I-485 was approved on 3/3 but we haven’t had any updates since then other than receiving the approval notice via mail yesterday. She’s been browsing jobs and found a few that look really appealing but the application windows will close soon. Is it possible/legal for her to apply for jobs with just the approval notice but no Greencard on hand yet? Can she say that she’s legally allowed to work in the US? I saw in another thread that apparently printing green cards is delayed right now, just want to make sure we do everything by the book but also don’t waste any possible employment opportunities! 
 

Thanks in advance! 

Does your status show "We ordered your new card" ?

[BH&JK 10]

4 minutes ago, Mr Geminian said:

Does your status show "We ordered your new card" ?

No status on Case Tracker still just shows “Case Approved”

[OldUser 5,051]

1 hour ago, BH&JK said:

No status on Case Tracker still just shows “Case Approved”

If the status is to date, this means the GC hasn't been ordered to be printed yet.

 

It's yet to be printed and then mailed to you.

[BH&JK 10]

2 minutes ago, OldUser said:

If the status is to date, this means the GC hasn't been ordered to be printed yet.

 

It's yet to be printed and then mailed to you.

Yep that’s what we figured. Do you know if the 30 days to send in an E-Request is from approval date or date you physically receive the I-797?