Work authorization (EAD) and adjustment of status filed together.

[Lesleylou81 8]

Good morning from a very cold and snowy Boston!
 

I was wondering if anyone is able to offer me some advice regarding this topic.

 

I filed my EAD and form I485 for adjustment of status on 10th Nov 2025. 
 

I had my biometrics appointment on 29th Dec 2025 for both of these.

 

I have my appointment for my interview for my green card scheduled for the 2nd week in February.

 

My understanding was that if I filed my work authorization it would arrive earlier than my green card enabling me to apply for jobs and find employment. As I thought the green card itself enables me to work and travel as well, as being in the US legally.

 

My question I guess is have I wasted my money applying for the employment authorization document? 

 

From looking at timelines it looks like some people received their EAD within 30 days of applying for it ( I am aware that there has been Veterans Day, Thanks 

giving, Christmas, New Year and MLKJ day since when I applied and now) but I’ve also seen ( and hope it’s true) that if approved , people receive their green cards within 2 weeks of having their interviews. 
 

I understand that this may not always be the case and depends on the number of cases going through the system but based on the dates for the appointments I’m getting my situation aligns with this pattern.

 

Im just wondering if anyone has any knowledge or experience of this?

 

 

[mam521 2,890]

11 minutes ago, Lesleylou81 said:

My question I guess is have I wasted my money applying for the employment authorization document? 

You've been very fortunate by the looks of things if your GC interview is in Feb.  That's not very typical.  

 

As with anything immigration related, it's luck of the draw.  Had your greencard interview taken significantly longer, your EAD likely would have been issued first.  Since you can't predict the future, I'd vote money well spent.  It's kinda like insurance...you pay into it for forever and hope you'll never need it but if you do, you have that reassurance.  

[P055UM 373]

23 hours ago, Lesleylou81 said:

My question I guess is have I wasted my money applying for the employment authorization document?

Not the way I would look at it, but you’re right in the sense that you paid for an EAD you’re likely never going to get.

 

Nevertheless, I would always advise applicants to apply for an EAD at the same time as AoS if working is something that’s important to them. 
 

Your GC interview timeline is very quick - may the rest of your journey be as smooth!  

[Crazy Cat 46,139]

On 1/27/2026 at 8:41 AM, Lesleylou81 said:

My question I guess is have I wasted my money applying for the employment authorization document? 

You are very fortunate in that some people have waited 8 or 9 months for the EAD, then another 6 or 8 months for their Green Card interview.  You are much better off with the fast AOS interview.  Good luck on the rest of your journey.

[Crazy Cat 46,139]

On 1/27/2026 at 8:41 AM, Lesleylou81 said:

As I thought the green card itself enables me to work and travel as well, as being in the US legally.

That is correct.  In addition, EADs are all adjudicated at MSC (National Benefits Center) and Green Card interviews are done at local offices.