ANOR

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

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.

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.

Yes helps to have a job offer to show.

Agree with the Job offer helping.

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

wow thats a long time. I am still waiting for my EAD. I know the process takes time but not being able to work really stresses me out Congrats to you both  

I used that intially but now i am using an iphone app called uscis case status and its great and notifies you with any new case status changes. 

I had my biometrics done yesterday(08/06) and got a notification this afternoon(08/07) from the app saying my case status changed. Checked the status and it said fingerprint review is completed and the application is being looked at right now. I guess it varies based of city but mine was done in Pittsburgh if that helps any. Hang in there, hopefully yours won't take long.

I see. Thanks for sharing.

Unfortunately, I do not remember and it wasn't a discussion about that. This person just contributed to some other topic and so it in their timeline. Check out the AOS topic for January February and March 2018. It must be in of those topics. 

Definitely recheck your application. I forgot I-131 the first time and got a chance to add it. Try not to mess with how they have organized it though. 

Thanks IncogNitro for sharing. And congrats on getting one step closer  

One check for the total of 1225 (1140 and 85 fee). 
I didn’t send a 130 not sure what that application is for.  
We submitted two photos of petitioner for the 485/131/765 each (total six) 

That's exactly what we did.  One check for $535 for the I-130, a second check for $1225 for the I-485 and Biometrics fee.   No biometrics needed for the petitioner spouse.  And we did 2 petitioner photos and 8 beneficiary photos.  We did ours at Costco because it is $5 for a sheet of four passport photos.  The other places we checked (Sam's Club and Walgreens) are between $5 and $10 for two.

Of course. All the documents were stapled together in 3 or 4 different piles. They were stapled in a weird order too but since they did it, I left it as is. Each paper has a time stamp. The first 2 pages of mine were crossed out an initialled. They also put my pictures in a plastic back and labeled them referring to each form and lastly they also took the fedex label of my package and put it with the package. They also include a green paper saying that you are allowed to re-submit the package and to put the green paper on top of your documents. So, I first put my check, the green paper, the 3 NOA's I received for the one and then the AOS package below. 
I did exchange the i-864 Form because the form was close to expiring and I did not want a RFE for it. 
 
I have read about a lot of people who submitted a complete whole new package but I already spent so much time making sure my original one was correct that I did not want to do that. Besides they stapled everything together and looked through it. 

My case is different because when we received the application back, we had to use the money for other things and did not make the fees again til March. So I'm not the best example.

I was told when I called USCIS that my forms were already on file, that they were just waiting for a correct fee to continue.

I suggest that you go through the whole packet all over again and be sure nothing is missing and you are 100% everything requested being submitted. It does not hurt to check again, just in case. 

They won't process the forms if there's incorrect payment. They are required to reject it.

Sometimes things happen for a reason.  
Use the opportunity to go through the package again with a fine-tooth comb when you get it back for any additional errors/omissions of evidence.
 
IMO, it's better the entire package is sent back in cases like incorrect filing fees---this way you can be assured that your check will be tied to your application instead of the package sitting on one person's desk, and the payment arriving at another person's desk, and something lost in transition along the way.

Thanks everyone though. This news definitely didn't make my day  

You need the 1140 and biometric fee which equals 1225.  The fee for the eap and ap isn’t needed if filed with the I485. 
Hope that helps. 

Hope you hear something soon.  It's the not knowing that always drives me barmy.  Best of luck
 

Hi NYLondon, thanks for the update. I am still waiting but no signs (either cashing my check or anything else). Fingers crossed. Good luck with your application and congrats on getting closer