Should we start applying a job while waiting for EAD?

[Pat80 12]

I am now during the AOS status from K1. I also applied for EAD but it might be approved around the end of next month. I'm thinking of looking for a job but anyway I can't work until I get the EAD.

I would like to ask you guys here that do you normally apply for a job after getting EAD or start before that? I know that it is very difficult to find a job here as I have no US working experience.

I'm all ears with all advice

Thank you

[ChicagoSarah 127]

I'd suggest waiting until you have the EAD. Since so many applications are online, you don't have a change to explain that you cannot work now, but will be able to soon. You'll have to check the box that you are NOT able to legally work (or else you are lying) and would automatically be rejected by the system.

My husband got a job with the same company he worked for in the UK once he moved here, but they weren't very receptive to interviewing him until he had work authorization in hand. Once he had work authorization, they moved quickly.

Good luck!

[Pinkrlion 2,716]

You can start looking for jobs, complete the applications, just don't submit the application. Online applications are indepth and time consumming.

Edited May 24, 2014 by Pinkrlion

[Pat80 12]

I'd suggest waiting until you have the EAD. Since so many applications are online, you don't have a change to explain that you cannot work now, but will be able to soon. You'll have to check the box that you are NOT able to legally work (or else you are lying) and would automatically be rejected by the system.

My husband got a job with the same company he worked for in the UK once he moved here, but they weren't very receptive to interviewing him until he had work authorization in hand. Once he had work authorization, they moved quickly.

Good luck!

Thank you very much for your advice. I'll apply as soon as I get EAD. Now I'm spending time for resume preparation.

You can start looking for jobs, complete the applications, just don't submit the application. Online applications are indepth and time consumming.

Yes, It's a good idea.

Thank you

[namour7997 2]

as you make your resume, just wondering how are you going to present your education credential and work experience considering that both will be from your country of origin

[markonline1 11]

I applied, was interviewed and accepted my job all before I had my EAD in my hand. Obviously I explained the situation in my interview. Luckily, where I work, the HR director is English so she is pretty clued up with EADs, green cards etc. I guess they must have wanted me because they were prepared to wait until I had my EAD in my hand. So I would say, yeah, start applying. If nothing else, you'll get application and interview experience.

[GurkenSalat 48]

There hasn't been a checkbox on any online applications I've done. But I generally dislike doing online applications and prefer the recruiter or "know someone" track. I've explained that I am waiting for the authorization, and my timeline for starting is after I get the EAD anyway, and that has so far been no problem.

I am applying anyway because I mostly get rejected. It takes so long to get a job that I'd be shooting myself in the foot if I waited for the EAD and THEN applied, I would add 4-8 months to the EAD receipt date before I could actually work. Um, no thanks!