EAD (WorkPermit)

I just received my EAD and I-131 approval today in the mail. After months and months of stressful and nerve-wracking wait, they have finally arrived.

I'd like to share my experience here, as this forum has been tremendously helpful in keeping my sanity throughout this journey. In particular, I'd like to ease the minds of LGBT filers since there's very few resources out there that discuss their experiences, and hopefully, reassure them that being in an LGBT relationship is not a contributing factor in the delay—USCIS is simply backed up.

• Total calendar days: 169 days (6 months)
• Filed: June 27, 2017
• Biometrics: July 18, 2017
• First I-765 service request: September 26, 2017
• First I-765 service request follow-up call: October 26, 2017
• Second I-765 service request: November 18, 2017
• Sought assistance from the Ombudsman: December 3, 2017
• Mailed letters seeking assistance from my congressman and senator: December 28, 2017.
• Called USCIS. Was transferred to higher level. Told me that case is with an officer: December 28, 2017.
• Ombudsman office staff called to inform me that USCIS mailed approval on January 4 and that the case is closed: January 4, 2018.
• Called USCIS. USCIS confirmed approval was mailed: January 6, 2018.
• Received EAD and I-131 approval notices: January 9, 2018.

Takeaways:
—Hang in there. I understand the emotional and financial distress you're going through that can take a toll on a new relationship. It's all going to end soon. Use this time wisely instead to enhance your learning, prepare your resume, prepare for the job interview, get a driver's license, or whatever you need to get you up and ready when your EAD arrives.
—Contact the ombudsman or congressman/senator. This move has been helpful because they are able to get the information that USCIS representatives just couldn't tell you.
—Document everything so that you can relay the timeline when you contact your congressman or senator. Documenting also helps because USCIS representatives tend to give out inconsistent information.
—Do not rely on the MyUSCIS or the USCIS tracking website. I don't think they diligently update those.

Please find below a sample letter to my congressman:
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Dear Representative Evans:

I would like to request for your office’s help in expediting the adjudication of my Employment Authorization Document (EAD, I-765) petition, which has been pending with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Missouri Service Center since June 23, 2017 (188 days). I have filed my EAD along with my I-485 and I-131 forms—all of which I am still awaiting response.

I have made several attempts to contact USCIS to get an update on my case status and have opened two service requests in the last six months. So far, I have not received any conclusive response other than my case is under review.

The uncertainty and inordinate wait time for the approval of my EAD have greatly caused financial and emotional distress for my wife and me. My wife not only financially supports me but she is also the breadwinner of her family, so my inability to contribute to our household is causing her tremendous stress. Moreover, having no job, no way to support my family back home, and being an unproductive member of society have all made it impossible for me to live a normal and fruitful life.

I have attached herewith the details of my case. It is my hope that your office could help me to fast track the adjudication of my EAD application.

Thank you!
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Please let me know if you have any questions. I'm happy to help out.