EAD Card Production Ordered Date vs. Date Authorization Starts

[elya 17]

My husband has been trying to find a good new job/career and just recently we came across a posting for a trainee program that is a perfect fit for his skills. They are hiring a pool of trainees and it is a once-annual opportunity.

Sadly he doesn't have his EAD yet (just completed biometrics) and the posting closes soon. On the off chance that he gets processed quickly - what is the day work authorization actually starts? Is it the same as the day that card production is ordered? Or whenever the card actually gets printed?

The application asks if he is authorized to work in the U.S. so as long as we can submit it saying "yes" we wouldn't actually have to show anyone the card until much later in the process, plenty of time for it to arrive in the mail once card production is ordered.

Thanks for your responses.

[kcoyclay1 98]

He will need to show authorization when he goes in. They will need his social security # as well. There is also an employment verification check that USCIS offers and employees can use that tool to verify employment status. Never say yes until you have the card as proof. I wouldn't advice it.

[kcoyclay1 98]

Also, he just did biometrics. You do not know how long the process will take or if his card may get lost in the mail or have errors on it. Things may end up worst with him stating that he is authorized when he is not. Take a look at your NOA and you will see that he is told not to assume anything. If they didn't approve the EAD he should not say it was

[Enigma11561 336]

It may be possible to do an infopass to explain the situation and perhaps get this on a fast track.

[Caryh 5,206]

We had notice of approval on jan 26. The card arrived on feb 4th. The card states valid from 1/26/2012 until 1/25/2013. So the date of your first card production notification is the day you can theoretically work. It just takes a bit longer to actually get the card.

[elya 17]

Thanks CaryH that was exactly what I needed to know!!

He is not planning to apply unless we get the notification that he's approved.

But if he does get approved, there doesn't seem to be any reason why he could not truthfully answer "yes" on the job application before he has the physical card in hand - if the system shows he's authorized from that date then it will be in any database. He does already have an SSN. And the application and selection process will take a while to go through anyway knowing this particular employer...

[VanessaTony 3,567]

We had notice of approval on jan 26. The card arrived on feb 4th. The card states valid from 1/26/2012 until 1/25/2013. So the date of your first card production notification is the day you can theoretically work. It just takes a bit longer to actually get the card.

Incorrect. He is unable to work until he has the card. Although the authorisation date says he was able to work as of the approval date you do not know that it is the case for everyone, and unless he has the card to produce he CANNOT work. What does he show if he starts work and ICE rock up and want evidence? The approval notice is worthless without the card.

Edited February 11, 2012 by Vanessa&Tony

[kcoyclay1 98]

I hope you get some news on card production soon. Jobs are hard to come by these days. All the best in your journey and marriage.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Thanks CaryH that was exactly what I needed to know!!

He is not planning to apply unless we get the notification that he's approved.

But if he does get approved, there doesn't seem to be any reason why he could not truthfully answer "yes" on the job application before he has the physical card in hand - if the system shows he's authorized from that date then it will be in any database. He does already have an SSN. And the application and selection process will take a while to go through anyway knowing this particular employer...

Yes technically he can SAY he's legally able to work once it's been approved but he has no way to PROVE it and he isn't able to work until he can prove it. It would be like me driving immediately after I've had my licence approved yet don't have the card yet. It's possible but causes too many issues if I'm caught.

Also, bear in mind with the dual EAD/AP that sometimes production takes a little longer. Some employers don't want to wait for you to produce the card.

If you want to try to expedite the EAD I suggest you take evidence of the application being an annual issue, as well as evidence of financial distress that means he MUST work asap. Doesn't hurt to try.

Edited February 11, 2012 by Vanessa&Tony