Applying for jobs during AOS process (K1 visa)

[lurdino 9]

I entered the US on a K1 fiancee visa. My Adjustment of Status paperwork was received by the USCIS at the end of June and I have my biometrics appointment this week; if things go well I should have my Green Card by September.

Here's my question:

How advisable is it to begin the job search/job application process before receipt of the EAD? After all, I'm used to people applying to jobs with the understanding that they'll have to complete two months of notice with their current employer. Is it unreasonable to ask an employer to wait two months or so until I receive my Green Card? When my wife returned to the US after seven years overseas, it took two months after she received a job offer simply to get through her employer's background checks.

Any advice from those who have experience in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Normal notice is 2 weeks not 2 months. Greencard production is currently experiencing long processing times. You should have EAD/AP card by September tho if you applied for it.

You can start looking but most facilities want you to start as soon as possible like within a week or so...not usually months. And its difficult at this point because you don't know exactly when you can start work. What will you tell them?

But it doesn't hurt to try I guess as long as you're honest and upfront about your starting availability

Edited July 18, 2016 by LionessDeon

[chiggins82 88]

I think it would completely depend on the type of work you're looking for. My current job had no problem waiting 10 weeks for me to start.. but many employers would have an expectation of starting pretty soon 2-4 weeks I think would be common.

I didn't seriously look for work until I had my authorization because many applications ask if you are legally allowed to work in the US with a yes or no response. I didn't want to lie and figured they wouldn't review my resume if I checked no. I did take a couple job search workshops and I started looking at the companies in the area. That helped make things go smoother when I really started looking.

So not really a for sure answer. I would say it absolutely won't hurt to look. You can at the very least refresh the resume, start some notes on companies to keep an eye on, look for some networking opportunities etc. If there was something you really wanted, it is not illegal to apply, but you should to be ready for employers to say no or not even welcome an interview if you cannot legally work.

[gavw72 23]

Tricky one, I hung out till I felt I was about 3 weeks from anticipated EAD approval before applying.

I expected a bit of a slow process in the application processes so figured I'd have a few weeks before scoring any responses…. I applied for the ideal job at a local hospital that I could transfer over from the UK on a Thursday, got an interview invite on the Friday, interviewed on the Tuesday & was offered the job on the Wednesday!!

Currently in the process of background checks & references which should take the time to tie in with the EAD! I was open about the situation and timescale from the start with them (but I did tick YES on the authorized to work part on the application form). A lot of bigger companies/organizations seem to have seen this situation before by the sounds of it.

I'm over the 75 day point with the EAD so have opened an online case inquiry which was responded to within 24 hours so hopefully will move it on a bit??

[nutsmunkey2000 3]

It depends entirely on your line of work. I applied before getting my EAD with multiple companies, all were willing to wait when I explained the situation but I have a very specialized background and skillset.