Is it true: NO FEES for renewal of EAD and AP while I-485 pending?

[SunnyCalifornian 6]

I've just heard that 100% time of that an I-485 case is pending you can submit EAD and AP renewal applications without paying the fees. Is this true? Or has anyone known otherwise?

Thanks for your input.

[C_María 6]

I just happened to be reading the EAD guide and it seems to say that you don't need to pay again but I don't know by personal experience... I hope not!

"Payment as required by USCIS. Use a money order so you can track the payment.

Note: Applicants filing for this benefit at the same time or while an Adjustment of Status (I-485) application is pending are not required to pay any fee as it was included in the "total cost" of the I-485."

http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1k3ead

[Vegabond 0]

I just E-filed for EAD renewal for my wife. At the end of application it charged me $380.00 and i still have to send more paperwork:-(.

Are you guys saying that i have paid for nothing?

I don't think that the GOV will work for free. :-)

One question I do have though.. why the Biometrics again?

[SunnyCalifornian 6]

I believe that if you have a pending I-485, you cannot apply for EAD nor AP through e-filing. You have to do so only by paper application. This includes applying for EAD and AP for the first time or for renewals. Also I believe you do not have to pay any fees. If someone knows otherwise please let me know.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I just E-filed for EAD renewal for my wife. At the end of application it charged me $380.00 and i still have to send more paperwork:-(.

Are you guys saying that i have paid for nothing?

I don't think that the GOV will work for free. :-)

One question I do have though.. why the Biometrics again?

Your profile says you got a "welcome" letter in your mailbox, which indicates your wife was approved for her Greencard. If this is the case, the greencard gives her the right to work by itself, no EAD is needed anymore. The EAD is a temporary measure while AOS is pending, but once it is approved, you don't need it - the Greencard is a right to work by itself. Does your wife have a greencard?

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I've just heard that 100% time of that an I-485 case is pending you can submit EAD and AP renewal applications without paying the fees. Is this true? Or has anyone known otherwise?

Thanks for your input.

See here: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765instr.pdf top of page 8 (this is in the filing fee section) it says for "renewal EAD" if you're filing under category C9 (which is what a pending AOS is) then there's no fee.

In order to be eligible for this though you would send the NOA1 from your AOS with the application.

It's important to note though if you have your GC then your AOS is no longer pending and you have a GC. You don't need an EAD when you have the GC because the GC is your work authorisation.

I just E-filed for EAD renewal for my wife. At the end of application it charged me $380.00 and i still have to send more paperwork:-(.

Are you guys saying that i have paid for nothing?

I don't think that the GOV will work for free. :-)

One question I do have though.. why the Biometrics again?

You don't e-file because if you don't mail the NOA1 from the AOS application then you're not eligible for the fee waiver. Harpa also said you've received the welcome notice meaning she has (or will soon have) her greencard so she isn't eligible for the fee waiver because her AOS is no longer pending and her GC replaces the EAD anyway.

Biometrics again because they expire... but I am curious what eligibility category you put on the forms and whether that had an effect.

[Vegabond 0]

The confusing thing is SS card says WITH DHS authorization only.

I could have made a mistake and paid them 380 smackers for nothing.

I filed under the ©(9).

Will have to give em a call on Monday. I doubt if they will send the money back :-)

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

The confusing thing is SS card says WITH DHS authorization only.

I could have made a mistake and paid them 380 smackers for nothing.

I filed under the ©(9).

Will have to give em a call on Monday. I doubt if they will send the money back :-)

Her Greencard IS work authorization. Also, now that your wife has her GC, you can go back to the SS office and get a SS card without the "only valid" wording on it. Sounds like you wasted $380, but hey, now you know and won't waste $380 next year. Maybe they will reject the application because C9 is for I-485 pending, and your wife's I-485 is approved. Good luck.

[SunnyCalifornian 6]

So it is true!!! As long as an I-485 case is STILL pending you can submit EAD and AP renewal applications without paying the fees???

[mari&Ryan 93]

So it is true!!! As long as an I-485 case is STILL pending you can submit EAD and AP renewal applications without paying the fees???

That's correct. See what the instructions on USCIS site says regarding this.

Special Instructions :

If you filed a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, on July 30, 2007, or after, and you paid the I-485 application fee required, then no fee is required to file a request for employment authorization on Form I-765. You may file the I-765 together with your I-485, or you may submit the I-765 at a later date. If you file Form I-765 separately, you must also submit a copy of your Form I-797C, Notice of Action, receipt as evidence of the filing of a Form I-485.

I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

And,

For I-131 see on the bottom of the page 8.

Instructions for form I-131 (AP)

[SunnyCalifornian 6]

Thank you! I appreciate the info.