waiting for EAD with job offer - can I get a TN visa in the meantime?

[liverlover 0]

OK so I was fully prepared to wait until I had the EAD to start working. It should come in about two months (I got my NOA1 Dec 5). I haven't even applied for any jobs yet but one landed in my lap through an old contact I made while working in the USA on a TN visa many years ago. I have an engineering degree and Canadian citizenship.

The economy is heating up here and there is more work than qualified applicants at this place. I am a perfect fit for the job and have all the requisite degrees. Would it be possible for the employer to sponsor my TN visa temporarily while I wait for EAD? I don't even know how that would work because I can't even leave the country to be 'admitted' under the TN. Does anyone have experience with this? I'd love to start making money again and hit the ground running with an excellent opportunity.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

It looks like you came on a k1. I don't believe that you could convert it to a TN in country. I'm not an expert but it just doesn't seem like it would make sense. TN is non immigrant intent whereas the ultimate goal of a k1 is to become an lpr and possibly citizen.

[icv21 110]

You can try to expedite your EAD get a letter from employer. It sometimes work for some people

[liverlover 0]

You can try to expedite your EAD get a letter from employer. It sometimes work for some people

I'll look into that, thanks! Are you familiar with the process?

It looks like you came on a k1. I don't believe that you could convert it to a TN in country. I'm not an expert but it just doesn't seem like it would make sense. TN is non immigrant intent whereas the ultimate goal of a k1 is to become an lpr and possibly citizen.

yeah that's my interpretation. I'd have to apply for adjustment of status to a TN when I am already in the process to adjust to permanent residency. It would muck up my permanent residency application, I assume.

[liverlover 0]

So I talked to my former colleague (hopefully soon to be colleague once again!) and we will try to expedite my EAD with a job offer letter and a claim of severe financial loss. I'll let y'all know how it works out!

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Good luck!

[icv21 110]

Good!!! Good luck. I was going to say I did not expedite but lots of people have done it. There is lots of info in this forum I you search "how to expedite EAD" there are tons of posts with ideas that could help you.

I hope it goes well for you. Good luck

[Gussy & Chany 11]

Did it work out? I am in the same situation...

[liverlover 0]

I haven't heard from the employer. I interviewed successfully and they know they need to get me a written offer. The alternative is I wait until about mid-February, which is when my EAD is expected to arrive un-expedited. So a matter of weeks either way.

[Gussy & Chany 11]

Hi Liverlover,

I expedited by EAD successfully without cover letter + evidence of decline in joint savings account.

I recently learned that my card is in production (after 95 days waiting). Unfortunately, by time it will arrive it might be to late.

I wish I filed for an expedite earlier.

Good luck!

[CowBoE 429]

Hi Liverlover,

I expedited by EAD successfully without cover letter + evidence of decline in joint savings account.

I recently learned that my card is in production (after 95 days waiting). Unfortunately, by time it will arrive it might be to late.

I wish I filed for an expedite earlier.

Good luck!

Your EAD was approved in 95 days...which is basically the normal processing,

so I'm not sure if expedite saved you much time.

I've read people getting expedited EAD, but the time saved doesn't seem to

be that drastic (if any) from the normal processing.

It would be interesting to hear from others that have successfully expedited

very quickly...

[liverlover 0]

Hi Liverlover,

I expedited by EAD successfully without cover letter + evidence of decline in joint savings account.

I recently learned that my card is in production (after 95 days waiting). Unfortunately, by time it will arrive it might be to late.

I wish I filed for an expedite earlier.

Good luck!

Did you just call the USCIS 1-800 number? I need my EAD to change my name for SSN and ultimately get a California DL also. With California issuing DLs to undocumented immigrants its damn near impossible to get an appointment to start the process for a DL.

[Gussy & Chany 11]

Hi LiverLover,

I know, its very frustrating. Illegal immigrant can already apply for a DL whereas legal immigrants have to wait until at least their EAD arrives and then queuing up in line again for DL.

I called the USCIS 1-800 number. I chose 'emergency situation' option since I had a job offer.

Received an email. Explained in the email that our joint savings account was declined with 30% due to car repairs etc, and that I had a conditional job offer. On Monday, my case status changed to 'New Card Ordered for Production'. Hence, I hope to receive the EAD this week since I don't want to loose the opportunity.

I hope this helps for you. Anyway, I believe you also can walk in for doing your written DL exam at a few DMV offices. Good luck though! Let me know if it worked out!

[liverlover 0]

Hi LiverLover,

I know, its very frustrating. Illegal immigrant can already apply for a DL whereas legal immigrants have to wait until at least their EAD arrives and then queuing up in line again for DL.

I called the USCIS 1-800 number. I chose 'emergency situation' option since I had a job offer.

Received an email. Explained in the email that our joint savings account was declined with 30% due to car repairs etc, and that I had a conditional job offer. On Monday, my case status changed to 'New Card Ordered for Production'. Hence, I hope to receive the EAD this week since I don't want to loose the opportunity.

I hope this helps for you. Anyway, I believe you also can walk in for doing your written DL exam at a few DMV offices. Good luck though! Let me know if it worked out!

Fantastic! I will call the 1-800 number tomorrow morning to get the ball rolling. Thanks for sharing.

The DMV website says one needs an appointment for new licenses but I figure if I have a few hours free time I can roll the dice and get in line.

Congrats on getting your EAD card!

Edited February 5, 2015 by liverlover

[liverlover 0]

Update: I called USCIS 1-800 number on Feb 5 and requested my EAD be expedited based on severe financial loss. They sent me an email on Feb 9 requesting evidence of financial loss, such as a job offer. My employer emailed me a job offer on Feb 11 and I forwarded that on to USCIS. My EAD and AP was approved Feb 12. They will mail me my notice.

So, if all goes as planned I start work on Feb 23. Still need to do the drug test but not worried about that.

The moral of the story is: don't wait for the EAD to go job hunting. Just explain to the potential employers that once you receive a job offer you can get the EAD expedited.

My job is part time and considered temporary but I still got the EAD expedited.