Can I work while awaiting EAD

[arun27]

I am on L2 visa and had applied for EAD on May 25th. There has been no progress on the application after I recieved the acceptance mail from USCIS. Is finger print mandatory and Interview mandatory for issuing EAD. Can I get interium EAD after completing 90 days. I have job offer and they are insisting on joining asap. Can I work without EAD or should I atleast have interium EAD to start working?

Also, is SSN mandatory to recieve the pay. Am I right in assuming that I can apply for SSN only after recieiving the EAD.

Please reply and as I am very anxious as I have an offer but can't start as EAD is not yet recieved.

[txh1b]

You must get the EAD to begin employment. However, you can apply for the SSN without the EAD as L2 visa allows work but cannot be performed without authorization.

[arun27]

Thanks for the reply. Can I get interium EAD card after completing 90 days by taking Infopass appointment. Do they issue the interium EAD card on the same day of the appointment.

[txh1b]

No interim cards are being issued now. You can take infopass and they will open SR to the service center working your case.

[anshul792k4]

Hi Arun,

I am also into same boat. Have you heard something from USCIS so far.I applied on 24th May and still waiting to hear from them.

In which location you submitted your application.My case is in Vermont.

Thanks,
Anshul

[txh1b]

Looks like you submitted to the wrong address. EAD requests can only go to Phoenix, Arizona and/or Lewisville, Texas address. Did you apply in Vermont or did the application get forwarded to Vermont?

[jacreji]

Hi,

I am also on L2, applied for EAD on MAy 24th at VSC. Did e-Filing.
So far I have only received a notice stating that they have received my application. No other updates.

Did you receive a biometrics appointment notice? Is it already done?

What is the procedure to know the actual status on the case - why there is a delay?
Please help, if you know.
Thanks,

[txh1b]

Biometric is the first stage for EAD approval. You can possibly expect an approval in a month after the biometric and sometimes in a week. You cannot work while awaiting the EAD renewal if your EAD expired.

You can call USCIS and open a SR by talking to customerservice if the case is outside its normal processing.

[Chinar]

"Biometric is the first stage for EAD approval"...are you saying that first we will get a notice to have the Biometrics done and once they receive that then USCIS will send the approval notice.

I also have a H1B valid till next year but that is under my previous employer. Since my EAD is expiring in the first week of October and no update on the EAD renewal (filed on June 12) except that it is under Initial review, I am thinking to transfering my H1 to the new employer. I have been with the new employer since May 2010. Is it possoble to get the H1 transfer now even though I have started using my EAD .

Thanks.