Overwhelmed

[tamarae 0]

15. I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if you want to work while your application is processed (optional)

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation or photos as well as payment as noted here.

16 I-131, Application for Travel Document, if you need to travel outside the United States while your application is processed (optional)

>> Include any additional required supporting documentation or photos as well as payment as noted here

So those 2 marked optional.. are just so he can work or travel while AoS is being processed. Once his AoS is approved and his green card issued, he'll be allowed to work and travel at will. Am I correct in my thinking?

[chuckandkim 0]

That is correct!

[susaenneli 0]

Yes you are correct thinking.

Even it is optional I would fill it out.

It can take over 1 1/2 to be approved. I applied for it just 2 month ago with my AOS. I have not been working since February and I tell you it is tough to stay home the whole time.

I hope I will get my I-765 soon

good look to you

[JubJub 0]

That's correct.

The reason many choose to get the EAD and Advance Parole is that AoS processing can sometimes take many months/years before a decision is made and a greencard issued.

If he is sure he doesn't need to travel or work during the wait, by all means save a couple of hundred bucks.

[HolyMoly 0]

Yes, work authorization and advance parole are optional to apply for (but recommended!)

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Most cases seem to being completed in under 1 year... if I was filing again now I would not bother with EAD and AP as I only had mine for a few weeks before my AOS interview.....

Kezzie

[tamarae 0]

Cool, thanks everyone for the great and quick responses!

He is a pharmacist and was practicing in the UK before he moved to Texas, but

is not yet registered to practice here (the NABP moves slower than USCIS regarding

his pharm credentials and ability to practice over here) so we were thinking

that the work auth may not be needed... however he may want to find some sort

of job between now and years from now when he can practice as a pharmacist again

just to get him out of the house and keep him entertained. Its all a really

frustrating process.

Again, muchly appreciated, more forms to fill out!

[Autumnal 25]

EAD and AP (work permit and travel permit, respectively) are optional for your application. You do not have to file them if you do not intend to work or travel outside the US while your AOS is being processed.

You can change your mind about the EAD and AP; it's possible to file them after your AOS application is sent off (but not before). You could decide that you in fact want to seek employment, so you file for the EAD. Just keep in mind these things take time and can't happen overnight unless there's a serious emergency you can document.

The EAD and AP basically act as a sort of insurance and peace of mind if you don't intend to use them due to work or plans to travel. For some, it's the simple comfort of knowing if they had to, they could work or go abroad.

Ultimately the choice is up to you and what your situation allows you to handle, mentally, financially and personally. I opted for an EAD because I knew I needed to start saving for university and to pay off debts from moving and student loans. My AP would be necessary to see my family in the period between. I expected the process to take somewhere between six months and a year under good circumstances but was warned it could be 18 months. That was too long to sit around 'trapped'.

You can use the EAD as a source of government ID and your EAD also allows you to register for an SSN. SSNs are very important if you want bills in your name, bank accounts, driver's licenses, tax filing and other benefits. Maybe not essential for some but I felt it was worth it.

[Jasman0717 9]

That is correct!

ditto