Looking for work prior to getting EAD

[jonmason1977 0]

Hi, I am in the US on a K-1 Fiance visa, waiting for my EAD which I should be getting sometime in the next month. Does anybody know if I am allowed to apply for jobs before I get it, as long as I dont start working until I actually have the document? I am just thinking that it is bound to take me a few weeks to set up some job interviews and go through the job application process and wanted to get the ball rolling early. Will I get into trouble if I apply for jobs before I get my EAD?

Ive looked on various INS websites etc, and found no information about this, so anyone info is much appreciated.

[scy 0]

Hi, I am in the US on a K-1 Fiance visa, waiting for my EAD which I should be getting sometime in the next month. Does anybody know if I am allowed to apply for jobs before I get it, as long as I dont start working until I actually have the document? I am just thinking that it is bound to take me a few weeks to set up some job interviews and go through the job application process and wanted to get the ball rolling early. Will I get into trouble if I apply for jobs before I get my EAD?

Ive looked on various INS websites etc, and found no information about this, so anyone info is much appreciated.

Most job applications require you to sign a statement saying you have legal permission to work in the US. If you don't have an EAD, you really can't say that you have legal permission. It's ok to look for a job, but it's not ok to sign or say anything to indicate you have legal employment status when you don't.

[pri 0]

Most job applications require you to sign a statement saying you have legal permission to work in the US. If you don't have an EAD, you really can't say that you have legal permission. It's ok to look for a job, but it's not ok to sign or say anything to indicate you have legal employment status when you don't.

Tottaly agree

Edited February 5, 2006 by pri

[kc456 0]

You can definitely start responding to job postings and sending in applications.

Regarding filling out applications: Depending on how far along you are with the EAD and what area you are looking for a job in (i.e it takes days/weeks/months to get a job), you can do one or two things in response to the question are you authorized to work:

(1) Say yes -- if you think you'd have the EAD by the time the offer comes through

(2) Say "I'm awaiting employment authorization from USCIS, to be received by [give date equal 90 days from USCIS receipt]"

But I would not care about it much -- the job search process is long, and not every application you fill in will turn into a job offer. The only thing you *must* do is present your EAD within 3 days of starting a job. Presumably you would not accept a job without an EAD since you'd be fired 3 days after.

Anything outside of that is not against the law.

[Fandango 1,439]

Isn't there always a place on an application which says 'date on which you can start work'?

[kc456 0]

That too.

In either case, I would not delay apllying for work until you get the EAD. It's tough enough for immigrants in the first place, so it's better to get a headstart.