If it was me
What sort of conversation did you have with the CO about this.
Were there others you worked with who wee on a J1, were they subject to 212e
Have you spoken to your Uni
EAD is free so yes you apply for it.
I forget now if a K2 can like a K1 get a SSN after arrival, the way I read it either way you need a SSN so EAD is usually the quickest route to get it otherwise you are waiting for a GC.
1. They can not refuse you entrance so nil, you can surrender your GC.
2. Well I have only seen this happen twice and one involved a lady who whilst at college in the UK funded herself by providing personal services. This was not the one but a related story: https://www.thedailybeast.com/why-ai-is-detaining-sex-workers-at-the-borderand-you-may-be-next
All I can think of is Consulate error. EB2 suggest you have a Lawyer and I know they have a way of accessing the Consulate and advising them of their error.
Lots of people do this, someone I know her husband will file for his daughter when ha naturalises, she will pop over get her US Passport and then go home.
No
No, more likely a confusion.
Assuming you do not need a waiver then however long it takes to clarify matters. Waivers are not a given if needed and vary according to the reason why someone is subject to one.