If no EAD is requested, you need to wait until a green card is in hand to request the SSN. Form I-765 offers the opportunity to request the SSN concurrently with the card. It’s the only way to obtain a Social Security number for an adjustment of status applicant. However, there is another hidden benefit. Social Security NumberĪt first glance, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to request employment authorization for a child. Employment during this wait can be a valuable benefit. However, the adjustment of status timeline can be lengthy. Unfortunately, you do need to wait until receiving the EAD before working for a U.S. Realistically, applicants should expect USCIS to mail the card within 4 to 6 months. USCIS has a stated goal of delivering EADs within 90 days but has rarely been able to meet this deadline. (If you’ve used CitizenPath to prepare your adjustment of status application, you’ll also get a discount.) Learn more > Wait Time for an Adjustment of Status Work Permit
The filing instructions provide detailed directions on supporting documents, how to organize your application, and where to mail it. Our filing instructions are customized to your answers in the application so you know what to do for your specific situation. In addition to your prepared form, CitizenPath provides you with a set of personalized filing instructions. For complete directions that cover your situation, please refer to the USCIS filing instructions or use CitizenPath to prepare your I-765. Individuals with special circumstances may require additional evidence. Copy of I-485 receipt notice (only if you previously filed Form I-485).Copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.Copy of government-issued photo identification (i.e.Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.In most cases, you’ll need to submit the following documents as part of the request for a work permit as an adjustment of status applicant: RECOMMENDED: Adjustment of Status Denial Due to Changes in Circumstances Required Documents for I-765 Application If you abandoned the H-1B job and the green card application was denied, you would no longer be in status and forced to leave the country. In the worst-case scenario, you could continue working for the H-1B employer if the green card was denied. Many immigration attorneys prefer that their clients continue to stay within the terms of their current work visa so that they have a fall back. If you already have a work visa (such as H-1B), you may continue to working for the same employer or even find a new job. You may also work as many hours as you like on a part-time or full-time basis. Provided the work is lawful, you can accept the job. There is no restriction on the type of employment allowed. However, an employment authorization document is different. Work Restrictions for Adjustment ApplicantsĬertain types of work visas have restrictions on the type of employer and even the specific employer. The green card is proof of your status to live and work permanently in the United States. Of course, the EAD is no longer necessary once you are granted permanent resident status with a green card. In fact, adjustment of status applicants may file Form I-765 at any time the I-485 continues to be pending. Even if you did not file at the same time, you can do it later. Since the green card time line can be lengthy, having an adjustment of status work permit gives the applicant to work.Īt the time of filing Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status, you may concurrently file an application for employment authorization (Form I-765). Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to approve the green card. with permanent resident status, adjustment of status applicants may obtain an employment authorization document (EAD) and accept work while waiting for U.S. While consular applicants must wait until they arrive in the U.S. Green card applicants inside the United States are eligible for employment authorization (work permit).