Thoughts on start applying to jobs before EAD

[Mrijex 23]

Hi guys, 

 

I've posted a similar question under the AOS forum but maybe this is a better place as well: what are your thoughts and experiences on start to apply to jobs before you've gotten an EAD? My situation is I've come in as a K1, married, sent out AOS and am now waiting for NOA1. 

 

Positives

1) Get a feel for the work market in the US

2) Get experience applying to jobs here, experience interviewing

3) Might end up with a written job-offer, could apply for expedite process EAD

4) In case of 3 happening, will end up with a job quicker and all the benefits involved in that

 

Negatives

1) Future employer may be annoyed when they find out that they have to wait longer for you (if you've done this- at what process in the interview situation do you explain you can't work yet)?

2) If you don't end up with a job offer you may have given up your chance to work at that company - if you apply again after your EAD they know your name and associate you with this unpleasant experience.

 

Please let me know your thoughts/ experience.

 

Thanks!

[Tara & Rohit 224]

How far along are you with the AOS process? Has everything just been submitted or has there been some time in between?

[Mrijex 23]

Just now, Tara & Rohit said:

How far along are you with the AOS process? Has everything just been submitted or has there been some time in between?

still waiting on NOA1 so don't have a casenumber or anything yet.

[Amadia 711]

With all the new developments regarding work permits, work visas, etc. job hunting in the US now has all employers asking these question:

1. ARE YOU AUTHORIZED TO WORK IN THE USA?

2. ARE YOU AUTHORIZED TO WORK IN THE USA WITHOUT VISA SPONSORSHIP?

3. WILL YOU REQUIRE VISA SPONSORSHIP IN THE FUTURE?

 

Then they have you sign at the end of the application stating info you provided is true and correct....they do background checks so they can easily find out if you have no work authorization and that automatically disqualifies you as an applicant.

 

Please be careful with these things and take the necessary precautions. Good luck!

[Tara & Rohit 224]

11 minutes ago, Mrijex said:

still waiting on NOA1 so don't have a casenumber or anything yet.

It might be a bit too soon to start job searching at this time. I'm a recruiter in Florida, so I'm not as familiar with Rhode Island. However, there's a lot of different factors that can play into the length of a job search.  What types of positions would you be applying for? Would they be more technical or more a specialty? If so, then you may qualify for an expedited process but don't we know there's no guarantee. If not, then a job offer wouldn't speed up the process. Legally we do have to ask if you are authorized to work in the US @Amadia is right. I would be super cautious about starting anything too soon

Edited April 24, 2019 by Tara & Rohit

[Mrijex 23]

13 minutes ago, Amadia said:

1. ARE YOU AUTHORIZED TO WORK IN THE USA?

2. ARE YOU AUTHORIZED TO WORK IN THE USA WITHOUT VISA SPONSORSHIP?

 3. WILL YOU REQUIRE VISA SPONSORSHIP IN THE FUTURE?

Would the answers like this be correct for my situation:

1. Not yet

2. The employer will not have to be my sponsor

3. No

[Boiler 45,712]

No harm but unless you have an in demand skill and an Employer is will to wait I would expect most will bin it.

[Mrijex 23]

14 minutes ago, Amadia said:

Then they have you sign at the end of the application stating info you provided is true and correct....they do background checks so they can easily find out if you have no work authorization and that automatically disqualifies you as an applicant.

 

Obviously I would never submit any untrue information during job applications. I guess I would just hope they would see my resume and still offer me a shot or listen to an explanation or something.

[Amadia 711]

2 minutes ago, Mrijex said:

Would the answers like this be correct for my situation:

1. Not yet

2. The employer will not have to be my sponsor

3. No

Truthfully, from the moment they see that you have no authorization to work in the USA, the company will not commit to make an offer to you.

 

Realistically, relationships fall apart all the time during the visa process and companies will not take that risk.

[Mrijex 23]

13 minutes ago, Tara & Rohit said:

However, there's a lot of different factors that can play into the length of a job search.  What types of positions would you be applying for? Would they be more technical or more a specialty? If so, then you may qualify for an expedited process but don't we know there's no guarantee

I would be applying to admission and recruitment jobs at colleges and universities. I know there are usually multiple rounds in the application process so I think it would definitely take a while.

[Nat&Amy 623]

5 minutes ago, Mrijex said:

Would the answers like this be correct for my situation:

1. Not yet

2. The employer will not have to be my sponsor

3. No

Normally applications only offer you two boxes, YES or NO. No room for explanations. 

 

And as others have pointed out, by checking NO in the first one, your application is probably moved to a NO pile so chances are slim that they will even call you for an interview, no matter how good your resume is.

Edited April 24, 2019 by Nat&Amy

[Mrijex 23]

I see you are all mostly advising to be cautious and not expect too much. I appreciate that. If anybody has actually gone through the process in this way I'd still love to hear how and I'll try and update this post maybe if I have more experience with it too.

[Tara & Rohit 224]

1 minute ago, Mrijex said:

I would be applying to admission and recruitment jobs at colleges and universities. I know there are usually multiple rounds in the application process so I think it would definitely take a while.

Maybe instead of applying for jobs and attending interviews, now would be a good time to start networking! If you have a LinkedIn, I would start finding hiring managers of these different facilities and connecting. Start building up your network of people. Your LinkedIn presents your resume and skill sets without having to directly apply. 

[Boiler 45,712]

Looking at large organisations with HR to get past I doubt your application would pass the first screening.

[Nat&Amy 623]

7 minutes ago, Mrijex said:

I see you are all mostly advising to be cautious and not expect too much. I appreciate that. If anybody has actually gone through the process in this way I'd still love to hear how and I'll try and update this post maybe if I have more experience with it too.

I have been applying for jobs since I received my AOS interview notice and I had to answer NO in many of my applications. Never heard back from any potential employers.

 

After I got my GC last month, though, I started a new round of applications and one of those applications resulted in an interview tomorrow. Might have been a coincidence, might not. Truth is, people that get a job offer while waiting for EAD have either a very specific skill set, or a very efficient network of contacts in the US. If you don't have either, job hunting will take a while. The sooner you start the better, as long as you are always honest in your answers and are prepared to miss out on those opportunities that are not willing to wait for you.

Edited April 24, 2019 by Nat&Amy