Employment Status While Applying For Lifted Conditions

[nice_man 0]

I'm going to send off my application to lift conditions this weekend - my GC expiration date is 06/14/08.

I've been at my current employer pretty much since I got my GC - started a month or two afterward. I'm really looking to make a change. I'm just burned out from being in the department I've been in and since I got a recent promotion I'm barred from applying for an internal transfer for another 3 months. That means I'm going to have to go external if I want to leave in the near future.

So, as I try to line up interviews with potential new employers the thought has been on my mind... well.... what is my employement status after 06/14/08? I would say that I'm still in good standing with respect to being eligible to work in the USA while going through this transition process. Afterall, I did get a 2-year GC to begin with.

I want the official word on that though. I'll be so disappointed if I get an interview and then lose out on a potential job opportunity because my GC is 'technically' expired. Also, any advice on what I should tell a potential new employer? How should I word this?

Any advice would be appreciated - thanks!

[honeyblonde 0]

Once you get your NOA1 after you file for removal of conditions, that is sufficient proof of your status for most employers. It clearly states that it extends your status for one year. You can also get a stamp in your passport by making an infopass appointment if you don't get the NOA1 in time and that also extends you for however long the immigration officer makes (it's supposed to be 1 year but some are only putting 6 months).

You're lucky it's only 3 months before you can transfer jobs. Where I work it's 18 months so even though I'm past my 18 month window from my last promotion, I still am very careful what I put in for so I don't get stuck for a year and a half in a job I hate.

[eau_xplain 2]

Some employees are antsy about accepting a NOA/extension letter as proof of employment authorization, especially since the I-9 does not list that as an acceptable document.

All you need to show to any new employer would be a valid driver's license/state ID and an unrestricted SS card. It's only when you submit an SS card with restrictions (Work with DHS authorization only), that the employer will require you to submit proof that you are DHS authorized.

[1HappyGuy 45]

The application receipt letter clearly explains your situation to any prospective employer. If they won't hire you and state that reason, then they are using it as an excuse. You will be better served finding someone that does understand and accept it. Honesty is always the best policy.