Spouse of USC not yet approved but need to work? Any advice appreciated!

[planbee]

Hello! I am the spouse of a USC. Have been here since February 2020 and was supposed to only be here for 2 months but covid happened. I entered legally on a b2 visa and applied for extension, the extension has not been approved or denied. I got married to my husband in February 2021 but still have not filed paperwork for adjustment of status. I have not worked since I have been in America, and am going to need to soon. I obviously don’t want to screw my chances of getting adjustment of status and greencard approved. I have read that spouse of USC will not be penalized for unauthorized work. I am wondering how I can get a job whilst not having a work permit and still pay taxes? I want to do things somewhat right and I am scared to do the wrong thing but I also need to support myself and contribute financially to my relationship! I have a possible job opportunity but it needs to be ‘on the books’ so I am trying to understand how to do that and also not get the employer in trouble?

thank you in advance

[newacct]

The fastest way for you to be able to legally work in the US is to apply for Adjustment of Status (i.e. I-130, I-485, and associated forms), and apply for an EAD (with I-765) together with that. (I-765 for EAD and I-131 for Advance Parole are free for I-485 applicants.) It will likely take several months to get the EAD in current processing times. Once you get an EAD or green card, you can legally work. Before that, you can't legally work, and I believe it is against forum rules to give advice on how to work without being authorized to work.

[JaydenDad]

You can't work without a work permit, easiest, quickest way is to file for AoS and work permit together, you'll get work permit before anything else(trust me)