TN to GC: I-765 documentation of employment authorization?

[ezgrower 1]

Hello all!

I'm on the verge of submitting a USC spousal-sponsored AOS package, and I'm left with one last question to deal with - specifically, question 11 on I-765 Application for Employment Authorization:

"Have you ever before applied for employment authorization from USCIS?

"Which USCIS Office? Date(s)?

"Results (Granted or Denied - attach all documentation)?"

I've held a number of TNs and J-1s since the late 80's. These all constitute employment authorizations, no? So I should answer "yes" to the first part?

If these TNs and J-1s are what is being asked about, am I correct in assuming they want to know about each and every one of them? Most of the TNs were acquired at the Detroit bridge crossing; the remainder were extensions requested from in-country - is Detroit the USCIS Office? I have IAP-66s for J-1s, but only one I-94 (remainder were turned in when leaving the country, and I neglected to make copies). For the TNs, I have most (but not all) I-94s, most passport stamps (a period of three years when I used my birth certificate instead of a passport as proof of Canadian citizenship, and an instant or two when the I-94 was stamped, not the passport), and copies of most of the employers letters. Almost complete, but there are some holes...

Is anyone familiar with these circumstances? Am I correct in saying "yes" to having applied for EA? Is Detroit the "office"? What documentation is appropriate/necessary -- or should I just throw all the spaghetti at the wall? And how concerned should I be that I can't completely document my history?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

They are asking if you had an EAD before. I don't think TN gives a separate EAD, does it?

[ezgrower 1]

No, no separate employment authorization - just the I-94 showing TN status and stamped "employment authorized". If they are simply asking if an I-765 has been submitted before, that makes it simple. Thanks for the quick feedback!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Yes, that is a tricky question. I think the key is "from USCIS." The TN and other work visas are not work-authorized from USCIS, but rather from a consulate or border patrol agent or Department of State, etc.

[bigdog 376]

You can always put a note on your cover letter indicating why you have a number. I would review the instructions as I do not know your exact status from the 80"s this might apply' http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765instr.pdf.