Just started an expedite request but asked about "Severe financial loss"??

[peanutismint 37]

USCIS received my application for a work permit (EAD) about 4 months ago. Due to my own ignorance (but hey, we all make mistakes), I thought it would only take ~90 days to get a work permit, but if I'm reading the site correctly it now says as long as 8 months....!!! So today I decided to raise an expedite request. 

 

I'm a self-employed freelancer and have been starting to get work requests from some clients, but not sure if this will count as "Severe financial loss" (as quoted to me by the customer service rep I spoke to on the phone). I can show that I've had offers of work but only in so far as text messages from colleagues at the company asking for my availability etc. Do you think this will be enough to warrant an expedite? We also have some unexpected medical bills but I didn't mention these - might this have helped my case?

 

[JFH 12,191]

It can’t hurt to try...

[Boiler 45,908]

Agree no harm.

[HRQX 4,145]

2 hours ago, peanutismint said:

We also have some unexpected medical bills but I didn't mention these - might this have helped my case?

"Good news about this whole nightmare is that I had no problem getting the EAD card expedited with a 60 thousand dollar medical bill. So, for the record this will qualify you for Financial Hardship in the eyes of USCIS."

[geowrian 22,338]

All you can do is send what you have and hope it's enough. Every expedite decision is discretionary.

[Loren Y 2,756]

1 hour ago, HRQX said:

"Good news about this whole nightmare is that I had no problem getting the EAD card expedited with a 60 thousand dollar medical bill. So, for the record this will qualify you for Financial Hardship in the eyes of USCIS."

You were able to post the link before I could. Definitely helped I think. Funny thing is the card was approved a few days before I faxed all the information into them. It takes about 2-3 weeks to get the letter with where to fax everything to, and I faxed everything on a Friday morning, then Saturday morning ( The next day) all the approval letters for the EAD/AP showed up in the mailbox. I don't know if the expedite really helped or not. The cards had to have been approved before I faxed everything in, because it takes 4-5 days based on the postmark for me to get the letters. I don't know, but as others have said, it is worth a try. I wasn't even going to try for an expedite until the hospital visit. You can check my timeline for all the exact dates and information.

[peanutismint 37]

Thanks, I will try, but I just get the impression (from what others have said) that "I need to work so I don't starve" isn't considered a 'valid' reason for expedition...! Which is essentially what I'd be asking. Just seems silly, seeing as I've already completed my biometrics/paid all my fees etc. that there'd be any further wait for such simple/necessary things as 'work authorisation' and the ability to leave the country.... 

 

But like everyone is saying, can't hurt to try. 

Edited July 2, 2019 by peanutismint

[geowrian 22,338]

7 hours ago, peanutismint said:

Thanks, I will try, but I just get the impression (from what others have said) that "I need to work so I don't starve" isn't considered a 'valid' reason for expedition...! Which is essentially what I'd be asking. Just seems silly, seeing as I've already completed my biometrics/paid all my fees etc. that there'd be any further wait for such simple/necessary things as 'work authorisation' and the ability to leave the country.... 

 

But like everyone is saying, can't hurt to try. 

The counterpoint is that the petitioner should be able to support you until you can work.

Edited July 2, 2019 by geowrian

[Boiler 45,908]

You must have a Sponsor and maybe a Joint Sponsor.

Edited July 2, 2019 by Boiler

[peanutismint 37]

Just as an update to this case, I got one of my clients to write me a formal job offer   for some upcoming work they’d like to use me on and my local Congress office submitted it for me. USCIS haven’t given me an answer yet, but when I spoke to the assistant at the Congress office she said it’s pretty much guaranteed to be accepted as long as you have a job offer, which is good information to hear! 

[Nitas_man 3,100]

On 8/7/2019 at 8:04 PM, peanutismint said:

Just as an update to this case, I got one of my clients to write me a formal job offer   for some upcoming work they’d like to use me on and my local Congress office submitted it for me. USCIS haven’t given me an answer yet, but when I spoke to the assistant at the Congress office she said it’s pretty much guaranteed to be accepted as long as you have a job offer, which is good information to hear! 

In the meantime kick back and run up your sponsor’s credit card 

[peanutismint 37]

Will do. It's now some 2 weeks later and my EAD card is in the mail!! Result!! 👍