Do you have to file an EAD?

[desperate_heart 0]

My Wife and I did not file the EAD when we sent our AOS.

We thought once you received your green card you did not need the EAD to work. Are you able to work with a green card, or do you have to have an EAD?

Edited June 4, 2007 by desperate_heart

[cellarlily 0]

You do not need to file for EAD; however, many people do because of the uncertainty of processing times for AOS/Green Card. Sometimes AOS is approved in a few months (which is how long it takes to get EAD), but sometimes it can take more than that...up to several years. As a sort of insurance, people pay the $180 with the assurance that they will be able to work in 90 days regardless of how quickly or slowly their AOS is being processed.

If your wife is not anxious to work and is willing to wait possibly 2 years to work, the money isn't worth it. But if she does plan on working in the next couple years, it might not hurt to file for EAD even if it is "wasted" because she gets approved for AOS before or at the same time.

Green Card is eligibility to work, so EAD card is not needed once you have the GC in hand.

[YuAndDan 153]

You do not need to file for EAD, the green-card is permission to work, If you find it taking long to get the green-card and you wish to be able to work while waiting for the card then file for EAD.

[~krakatoa~ 27]

You do not need to file for EAD; however, many people do because of the uncertainty of processing times for AOS/Green Card. Sometimes AOS is approved in a few months (which is how long it takes to get EAD), but sometimes it can take more than that...up to several years. As a sort of insurance, people pay the $180 with the assurance that they will be able to work in 90 days regardless of how quickly or slowly their AOS is being processed.

If your wife is not anxious to work and is willing to wait possibly 2 years to work, the money isn't worth it. But if she does plan on working in the next couple years, it might not hurt to file for EAD even if it is "wasted" because she gets approved for AOS before or at the same time.

Green Card is eligibility to work, so EAD card is not needed once you have the GC in hand.

I didn't file EAD too with my AOS. Since I need the assurance now (if good things will not happen anytime soon with our case as there is that uncertainty of processing times as Cellarlily said), I will file the EAD before my I-94 expires. It doesn't matter to me if I receive the green card first and will not receive my EAD card. It is just too big of a risk (than $180, current fee) if I don't and get stuck in those FBI checks..

Edited June 4, 2007 by mysticbluerose

[cellarlily 0]

Like someone else says on this forum a lot...$180 can be made at a job fairly quickly. Even if you're earning minimum wage, the cost of EAD is offset in a week. Is it worth the upfront cost to guarantee that you'll be earning money in 90ish days?

[StormnRolly 0]

Just a note that EAD cost will go up in July also so if you want to get in on the deal of 180 dollars you should do that before then. My EAD was a good waste of money.