What are the consequences of working without a permit while applying for AOS?

[lucylove 0]

Wondering the same.

You need EAD to work.

Thank you for your response, and yes the more logical move would be for me to just wait until I get my work permit.

[lucylove 0]

Wondering the same.

You need EAD to work.

Yes, the more logical decision is just to wait for my work permit. Thank you for your responses.

[Hypnos 6,576]

The whole AOS process takes like 10 month right now.The EAD takes 3 months.

Only for K-1; for adjustment from anything else (i.e. most people) it takes significantly less time, more like 3-4 months in a case with no other red flags.

Edited August 17, 2012 by Hypnos

[Newbie608 103]

Im on a F-1 visa and I'm on the final stretch on AOS. I've been working unauthorized for over 5 years now. I put everything on my G-325a. I haven't received and RFE and I'm still working. My EAD is recently approved so I should get it next week. I also paid and filed taxes every year. Immigration don't care if u work or not. As long as you don't lie and as long as you paying taxes. Just make sure you didn't claim to be a US citizen when filling thay I9 form.

[Newbie608 103]

Also my hubby and I filed taxes together and they have to see that I earned almost 35k a year. I wouldn't worry too much about it. If asked about at your onterview, just be honest. I have several friends who have done it and Adjust status and get Citizenship with no problem...

[MIke n Heather 8]

what ?? that was a weird thing for the lawer to say..? because they do NOT take the same time.. sometimes if your lucky.. it will only differ by a few months.. but many times the timeframe between the green card arrival and EAD arrival can be 6 months and that is a long time to wait..

I did not file for EAD along with my AOS. The lawyer who helped me told me, the process of both things takes about the same amount of time. Yes I think I'm just going to wait. Thank you for your response, this really helps.

[scott76 22]

just volunteer if you're bored.

[Rob & Monika 87]

Im on a F-1 visa and I'm on the final stretch on AOS. I've been working unauthorized for over 5 years now. I put everything on my G-325a. I haven't received and RFE and I'm still working. My EAD is recently approved so I should get it next week. I also paid and filed taxes every year. Immigration don't care if u work or not. As long as you don't lie and as long as you paying taxes. Just make sure you didn't claim to be a US citizen when filling thay I9 form.

exactly, as long as they are getting taxes out of you, why would they give you a hard time

Edited August 17, 2012 by Rob & Monika

[Sunnyland 639]

Hey there! I'm amazed of how helpful this website is! I have a question, I would appreciate it if anyone can help.

I'm currently applying for AOS through my husband. I don't have an employment permit yet. I have been working since I was 18 years old now 22. I quit my job because I'm applying for AOS and my husband thought that would be the most ideal thing to do. How ever, I find myself wanting to go back to work. Does anyone know what USCIS does to people who are working without a permit when they're in the process of AOS? or even when they were not applying? Has anyone had this experience before? Thank you, and would appreciate any answers. Please no disrespect.

Hi. I dont understand why your lawyer did not make you apply for the EAD (employment authorization document) and I assume he did not advice you to apply for an AP (Advance Parole) either wich its the permission to travel abroad and return. Thats why we did not want to use a lawyer as we heard stories that they make big mistakes. This website was a big help for us.

Many people don't know that at the moment of applying for the AOS (2 year green card) they can also apply for the EAD and AP at the same time, that means that you can file the 3 forms together and they dont charge you for the EAD and AP. That way you can get your work permit while they process your green card application (AOS).

The AOS process does NOT take the same time that the EAD and AP, otherwise it would be silly to wait for your EAD if the GC process was so fast. People usually get their EAD and AP within 2-3 months of filing their papers for AOS, while AOS process can take between 6 - 9 months and there still people that had to wait even 1 year.

If you did not apply for the work permit and AP (permit for travelling) then you won't be able to work until you receive the GC and God knows when that will happen. I know people that filed for AOS in December 2011 and Jan 2012 and they still waiting for their GC or interview notice. In my case I already got my EAD and AP just a few days ago but still NO news from GC interview or anything

If I was you, I would not work till you get the green card. Otherwise if they know that you are working without their approval that can give you a headache later. I did not work at all as I did not want to have any problem with USCIS, now I started looking for a job at least temporary as I will be travelling at the end of the year hopefully with my GC or I will use my EAD/AP permit if needed

[dm559 34]

Hve you admitted this during interview or on applications? When you do please update and let everyone know if they immigration still cared or not.

Im on a F-1 visa and I'm on the final stretch on AOS. I've been working unauthorized for over 5 years now. I put everything on my G-325a. I haven't received and RFE and I'm still working. My EAD is recently approved so I should get it next week. I also paid and filed taxes every year. Immigration don't care if u work or not. As long as you don't lie and as long as you paying taxes. Just make sure you didn't claim to be a US citizen when filling thay I9 form.

[lucylove 0]

Im on a F-1 visa and I'm on the final stretch on AOS. I've been working unauthorized for over 5 years now. I put everything on my G-325a. I haven't received and RFE and I'm still working. My EAD is recently approved so I should get it next week. I also paid and filed taxes every year. Immigration don't care if u work or not. As long as you don't lie and as long as you paying taxes. Just make sure you didn't claim to be a US citizen when filling thay I9 form.

Yeah I've heard of similar situations like yours, that was the whole reason I wanted to get back to work again.

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[lucylove 0]

Only for K-1; for adjustment from anything else (i.e. most people) it takes significantly less time, more like 3-4 months in a case with no other red flags.

My lawyer told me that for my situation it was only going to take around 4-5 months. That was the whole reason I agreed with her for not sending the application for my work/travel permit. Thank you for sharing.

[lucylove 0]

what ?? that was a weird thing for the lawer to say..? because they do NOT take the same time.. sometimes if your lucky.. it will only differ by a few months.. but many times the timeframe between the green card arrival and EAD arrival can be 6 months and that is a long time to wait..

Yeah I was really doubting her when she told me that. She mention that the whole process for me would only take about 4-5 months, and that it was pointless to file for the work/travel permit, since the were all going to take about the same time.

[Newbie608 103]

Hve you admitted this during interview or on applications? When you do please update and let everyone know if they immigration still cared or not.

Yes I put it on my G-325a form where they asked for my employment history. I also filed joint taxes with my husband so its on our Affadavit of Support form. My interview is next month but I doubt they'll ask about. If they do, ill just be honest about it. They already know from doing background checks. I've seen people on here who have done it, disclosed it, and didn't get in any trouble. I'm not worried about it though because I filed taxes eversince..

[lucylove 0]

just volunteer if you're bored.

Hahaha, yeah that's in the back of my head. Volunteer and go back to school.