JMZ21

Shame on you for trying to make someone feel stupid for using a forum “incorrectly”. I was told invalid information from a trusted source, and came here to discuss the discrepancies between what I was told vs what I read on the form/application and government websites. This process is overwhelming, confusing, and extremely stressful for people just getting started. Please bear that in mind as YOU go forward. 

Quick summary: My husband (U.S citizen) and I filed the I-130 petition for me- a spouse living outside of the U.S (currently in Canada). Our I-130 has not yet been approved, but we did receive the NOA. 
 
My question is- once the I-130 is approved, can I (the beneficiary, wife living outside of the U.S) submit the EAD (I-795) when we submit the green card application? I have heard and read several different answers. We filed with SimpleCitizen and they told us I would be able to submit the EAD, but I’ve read elsewhere that is not an option if I’m filing from outside the U.S.  Help! I would really love to know if I am looking at a few months before I am in the U.S after filing the I-795, or if I’ll be in Canada for +1 year until my green card application is approved. 

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated! We are NEW to this and learning as we go.  Thank you! 

Shame on you for trying to make someone feel stupid for using a forum “incorrectly”. I was told invalid information from a trusted source, and came here to discuss the discrepancies between what I was told vs what I read on the form/application and government websites. This process is overwhelming, confusing, and extremely stressful for people just getting started. Please bear that in mind as YOU go forward. 

Shame on you for trying to make someone feel stupid for using a forum “incorrectly”. I was told invalid information from a trusted source, and came here to discuss the discrepancies between what I was told vs what I read on the form/application and government websites. This process is overwhelming, confusing, and extremely stressful for people just getting started. Please bear that in mind as YOU go forward. 

I appreciate your response... please see snip of some of the information I received that might explain why we are confused. We have read up on this, numerous times, but as I’m sure many can relate- we paid for a service and expect to be able to trust what they say. Is there a chance this is a different way of applying?

Quick summary: My husband (U.S citizen) and I filed the I-130 petition for me- a spouse living outside of the U.S (currently in Canada). Our I-130 has not yet been approved, but we did receive the NOA. 
 
My question is- once the I-130 is approved, can I (the beneficiary, wife living outside of the U.S) submit the EAD (I-795) when we submit the green card application? I have heard and read several different answers. We filed with SimpleCitizen and they told us I would be able to submit the EAD, but I’ve read elsewhere that is not an option if I’m filing from outside the U.S.  Help! I would really love to know if I am looking at a few months before I am in the U.S after filing the I-795, or if I’ll be in Canada for +1 year until my green card application is approved. 

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated! We are NEW to this and learning as we go.  Thank you! 

I appreciate your response... please see snip of some of the information I received that might explain why we are confused. We have read up on this, numerous times, but as I’m sure many can relate- we paid for a service and expect to be able to trust what they say. Is there a chance this is a different way of applying?

I appreciate your response... please see snip of some of the information I received that might explain why we are confused. We have read up on this, numerous times, but as I’m sure many can relate- we paid for a service and expect to be able to trust what they say. Is there a chance this is a different way of applying?

Quick summary: My husband (U.S citizen) and I filed the I-130 petition for me- a spouse living outside of the U.S (currently in Canada). Our I-130 has not yet been approved, but we did receive the NOA. 
 
My question is- once the I-130 is approved, can I (the beneficiary, wife living outside of the U.S) submit the EAD (I-795) when we submit the green card application? I have heard and read several different answers. We filed with SimpleCitizen and they told us I would be able to submit the EAD, but I’ve read elsewhere that is not an option if I’m filing from outside the U.S.  Help! I would really love to know if I am looking at a few months before I am in the U.S after filing the I-795, or if I’ll be in Canada for +1 year until my green card application is approved. 

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated! We are NEW to this and learning as we go.  Thank you! 

I highly suggest you and your US petitioner read, study, and become completely familiar with the CR-1 process:
 
 

You should stop using SimpleCitizen.  They are wrong.  You do not qualify for an EAD.
  
There is no "green card application."  The I-130 is a petition to show a qualifying family relationship that would allow the foreign spouse outside the US to file for an immigrant visa.  The DS-260 is the immigrant visa application.  Once a person enters on an immigrant visa, that person automatically becomes a green card holder.  

You do not qualify to file for an EAD since you are going through consular processing.  Furthermore, you don't need to file for an EAD.  Once you enter the US on your immigrant visa and become a green card holder, you are authorized to work.  All green card holders are authorized to work and do not need to apply for work authorization.  You will need a Social Security Number so your employer can report your wages to the IRS.  You can apply for a SSN on the DS-260.

It takes about 12-24 months to get an immigrant visa after filing the I-130.

I suggest looking up the official sources of information as your primary reference --
USCIS overview on Consular Processing: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/consular-processing Department of State guide for the Immigrant Visa Process: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-1-submit-a-petition.html Note that neither of these official guides mention I-485 and I-765 as those forms are not necessary for intending immigrants applying from outside the US.  After getting your immigrant visa and being admitted into the US, you will automatically gain lawful permanent resident status and be authorized to work in the US.
 

I appreciate your response... please see snip of some of the information I received that might explain why we are confused. We have read up on this, numerous times, but as I’m sure many can relate- we paid for a service and expect to be able to trust what they say. Is there a chance this is a different way of applying?