For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Should I start applying to jobs now even though I have not got my EAD yet or is it better to wait till I get my EAD before I apply for jobs....what did you do?

Thanks!

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

I waited. You've still got to get your SSN after anyway. You could probably start looking once you've got your EAD, but make sure you apply for your SSN quick smart, that way if you get the job, you can start straight away.

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Do your homework, get the letters and "resumes" ready, and you'll be ready when you get your EAD ;)

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Just wanted to add you don't actually NEED the SNN to start work, though you should of course apply for it.

I've also heard that it is better to wait a week to 10 days after EAD approval before applying for the SSN because it takes a while for the records about eligibility to be updated.

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Oh and register for e-mail notification with USCIS. I reaceived notification of my EAD approval at least a week before I received the actual card!

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

I didn't have my SSN when I started work, so I had to wait a bit longer for my paycheque, but that was fine with me. It was just nice to know that I was making money again!!!

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

I have no idea which order I got mine in, but my SSN card does have the words "Valid for Work only with INS authorisation" printed across it !

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Or you can check your online status at the USCIS.gov site, by entering your SRC number.

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Only works if your obsessive-compulsive! :D

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

The problem with those bloody EAD's is that they need renewing every year until you get your GC, which for me meant a 12 hour round trip by car to my 'local' INS (as it used to be) office and another fee each time...... .I'm glad that's not something I have to do each year now.

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Beats not being allowed to work for 3+ years, as was the case with me (H4)... :mad:

Remember there's always someone worse off than you. ;)

Here endeth today's lesson! :)

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Been there on an L2. Sucked.

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

But L2 spouses are allowed to work. Or were you just an offspring?

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Only in the last 2 years or so did they change the law. Previous to that you weren't.

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Still there (H4) and definitely sucks. Starting year 5 next month.

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

I have my SSN, so I will just wait for my EAD before I apply but get everything ready in the mean time...great, thanks!

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Year 5???!!! :eek:

Aren't you applying for the Holy Grail, I mean GC?

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Yep, the Labor Certification is stuck in the back log center, so haven't even reached the USCIS stage yet. Several more years of waiting ahead for me :(

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

YIKES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11 :eek:

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

EEKS ! ..... and I thought I have patience !........ I came via the K-1 route, rather than H4.

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

I thought there's something called PERM nowadays? (Sorry I'm a bit vague on this as my DH didn't need LC, but I thought it was a way of speeding up the process of getting to the point where you can actually apply for the GC...)

(Sorry if we're going off topic here but I think the OP's questions have been answered...)

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Is it any wonder I'm ready to leave?

Sadly, the rest of the family are happily getting on with life here. :rolleyes:

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

I'd have to say maybe start applying now. It's not the easiest thing in the world to get a job over here for most people. Different rules regs and attitudes.

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

But your kids aren't allowed to work either - lets hope your DH gets his LC before they turn 16... Not being allowed to work was a HUGE problem for our oldest son and contributed immensely to his disaffection with this country.

I have never figured out WHY H4s are not allowed to work; makes no sense to me at all. Why allow people to live here long-term but not allow them to work? Particularly since L2 spouses may work. But then, not much to do with USCIS makes any sense...

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Yes, but the OH's application went in a year before PERM came into being. There have been long discussions whether to throw away the old app and start again or stay as we are. Now the EB3 visa numbers have retrogressed back to 2001 (I think) it made more sense to stick the old application and old priority date. It's not going anywhere fast, which ever route is taken.

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

It is worth it in the long run. I've known many qualified people shred their apps and leave the country because they were fed up with the wait times.

Hang in there ;) Maybe take some college courses in the meantime?

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

That's what I was going to suggest and what I did while waiting for my EAD. Like a previous poster mentioned, even though I was on an L2 I couldn't work and then when we were allowed EAD's it was faster to wait for my EAD with my change of status to greencard. So I decided to take some college courses and loved it. Loved it so much that I carried on even after I got my EAD :D

If money is tight, look into the private colleges. When I didn't know what I wanted to do and didn't know how long it was going to be before I could work, I was approached by one of the private colleges at a meeting who said that they allow some students to work on campus and the money goes straight to pay for their courses. This, apparently, takes away the need for a work permit. Could be worth looking at if you don't have the money for college.

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Be very careful: they were referring to students with student visas, not H4s!

H4s are not allowed to work, period. Bummer that... :mad:

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

I've thought about it, and am still pondering it. I have a good idea what I would do, just need the extra gumption to go ahead and do it.
I did the GED at the begining of the year, though it didn't take quite as long as I thought it would, I did the test after 4 weeks of recapping. :cool:

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

A quick correction to that, Elvira..

An employment authorized person can apply for their Social Security card. That person can then be hired by an employer and start working AND get paid before the SS card actually comes, if they can provide proof of applying for the SS account. Details at form I-9 and its instruction for employers, many found at ssa.gov

As for getting the SS application in, WRT the EAD: it actually does no good to wait the 10 days IF the person's status has 'only' been upgraded via EAD. The USCIS does not seem to update their SAVE database to reflect newly awarded EADs. An EAD holder may as well bite the bullet and go right into the SSA office and get an application underway, because it's a 90% chance (my made up figure) that their file will require manual verification anyway.
The 10 days wait.. I used to say the same for newly entered K-1s, but many of them find that an early application goes straight through, so there is no benefit in waiting.

Overall, I think there is never a benefit in waiting before going to SSA, but one would be well-served by searching for mdyoung's posts for tips before they do so.
The exception would be those entering with an Immigrant Visa. If they ticked 'yes' to 'I want a SS#' on the back of DS-230, they will get one, but it will take nearly a month after arrival in the US. If that person gets impatient and goes to SSA and puts in an application, they may wind up with 2 SSA accounts (PITA to clear up).

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

I'm just glad all this is now behind me! :cool:

Now that I'm a Green Card holder I expect I can just forget that USCIS exists - at least for the next 10 years, or unless I move. Right, Mo?

Please tell me, it is so...

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Or you want to become a SEE-TA-ZEEN.

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

:p

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

I take it you have the conditions removed ?

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

No conditions with employment based AOS...

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Aha ! :D

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

OK peeps....... (in my best Stavros by Harry Enfield voice) LOL.....


I'm outta here for a few days to go pick up the step-kids for Xmas....... I'll try to get back in but it might not be untill after Boxing Day (not htat it's even observed here).

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :beer: :)

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Happy Holidays! ;) :)

:beer:

Re: For those that waited for an EAD...
 

Or change your gender or fingerprints :)