MARRIAGE APPLICATION - OPT EAD ABOUT TO EXPIRE

[mirasweden 0]

My husband is a US citizen and we are about to file our marriage application. I have been in the US as a student since 2013 with no issues. I'm currently on my F1-visa completing my second OPT, which expires in July 2020. With the current processing delays due to COVID-19, it will most likely take longer than 3 months for the new EAD (I-765 and I-485) to process once submitted. This means that I will have a "gap" unless I’m able to extend my current EAD (category C03B). 

I know USCIS released “automatic extensions of EADs in certain circumstances” due to the current situation, but my EAD (category C03B) doesn’t qualify. I don’t believe I qualify for an EOS or COS either as it's not a STEM major. I currently work as an independent contractor (self-employed) providing digital marketing services globally. 

 

Questions:

1. Is there anyway for me to extend my current OPT EAD? 

2. What would happen if I keep working as an independent contractor/freelancer while my I-485 is pending? 

3. Is there any other solution? 

 

Any comments or advise would help!

[Letmefile 0]

Am in the same boat too. F1 and filed Aos. My opt Non stem  expires in October and hopefully I get approved for EAS by then. My hope is that this Covid-19 helps with unusual stuff. 

On 4/22/2020 at 7:13 PM, mirasweden said:

My husband is a US citizen and we are about to file our marriage application. I have been in the US as a student since 2013 with no issues. I'm currently on my F1-visa completing my second OPT, which expires in July 2020. With the current processing delays due to COVID-19, it will most likely take longer than 3 months for the new EAD (I-765 and I-485) to process once submitted. This means that I will have a "gap" unless I’m able to extend my current EAD (category C03B). 

I know USCIS released “automatic extensions of EADs in certain circumstances” due to the current situation, but my EAD (category C03B) doesn’t qualify. I don’t believe I qualify for an EOS or COS either as it's not a STEM major. I currently work as an independent contractor (self-employed) providing digital marketing services globally. 

 

Questions:

1. Is there anyway for me to extend my current OPT EAD? 

2. What would happen if I keep working as an independent contractor/freelancer while my I-485 is pending? 

3. Is there any other solution? 

 

Any comments or advise would help!

My comments below

[beefmaster2 51]

On 4/22/2020 at 8:13 PM, mirasweden said:

 

 

Questions:

1. Is there anyway for me to extend my current OPT EAD? 

2. What would happen if I keep working as an independent contractor/freelancer while my I-485 is pending? 

3. Is there any other solution? 

 

Any comments or advise would help!

 

I think you posted this before. Anyway I am in a similar situation and spoke to a lawyer about this. 

 

1. No

2. Its illegal

3. No