J1 to marriage based. Working during processing an application

[Asyasha 0]

Hi all!

i got married in a few weeks ago and my docs are almost ready to be sent to USCIS. My one year j1 student exchange visa expires in a few days. We live in small village in the middle of nowhere😂

I have a few questions and I know 99% people would advise to quit, be safe and tell me that a I am not allowed working. I am about to quit! But in my case it’s little more complicated:

1. During covid my host company laid everyone off and I am working in he store now what has offices all around the states. Surprisingly the store wanna keep me working but I think I would have big problems once immigration finds out that I am working after my visa expired. Especially if I indicated that job in all my forms, attached paystubs etc. I am quitting but they ask if I can work a little more since they are really busy.

2. I got a job a few weeks ago in small restaurant (they don’t have offices anywhere else) but I think I better quit there too. I am sure there is a way to find out about it as well. I am supposed to get direct deposit (can change for paychecks) and I am paying taxes but still.

3. My host company (!!!) (big company, there is no way to work there after your visa expires) is asking me when I can go back since they know about my marriage! They are saying once I bring them my marriage certificate and doc that comfirms that I applied (only applied!) for gc I would be fine. Hmmmm. Does it work like that? Would I still have issues once immigration knows about it?

4. Today is the last day when I can extend my j1 for two more months because of covid. It’s expensive and would it look weird since I got married and about to send my docs?

 

please if anyone has kinda the same experience and has gone through the same stuff dm me or answer here! Please don’t tell me million times I better be safe/I wasn’t allowed to work for another company. I know that and I actually told my employers about my situation. I didn’t violate anything and not going to. Just asking basically for my employers. And of course if there is a way to work without law violations I would love to!

[igoyougoduke 1,656]

You already know the answer to your question. Your employer wont be on the line with immigration if things come out but it will be you. Not worth it.

[Asyasha 0]

42 minutes ago, James120383 said:

You already know the answer to your question. Your employer wont be on the line with immigration if things come out but it will be you. Not worth it.

Thank you James! Yeah I know. I was about to see if anyone else had the same situation especially about my number 3 case.

[igoyougoduke 1,656]

14 minutes ago, James120383 said:

You already know the answer to your question. Your employer wont be on the line with immigration if things come out but it will be you. Not worth it.

You need to have to have EAD approved or ask them to file for a work visa for you.

[geowrian 22,337]

You need an EAD or valid work-authorized to work...it's really that simple. Applying for an EAD is not work authorization. It must be approved first.

 

1 hour ago, Asyasha said:

1. During covid my host company laid everyone off and I am working in he store now what has offices all around the states. Surprisingly the store wanna keep me working but I think I would have big problems once immigration finds out that I am working after my visa expired. Especially if I indicated that job in all my forms, attached paystubs etc. I am quitting but they ask if I can work a little more since they are really busy.

You cannot work without work authorization.

Quote

2. I got a job a few weeks ago in small restaurant (they don’t have offices anywhere else) but I think I better quit there too. I am sure there is a way to find out about it as well. I am supposed to get direct deposit (can change for paychecks) and I am paying taxes but still.

You cannot work without work authorization.

Paychecks vs direct deposit vs cash is not relevant.

Quote

3. My host company (!!!) (big company, there is no way to work there after your visa expires) is asking me when I can go back since they know about my marriage! They are saying once I bring them my marriage certificate and doc that comfirms that I applied (only applied!) for gc I would be fine. Hmmmm. Does it work like that? Would I still have issues once immigration knows about it?

You cannot work without work authorization.

No, it does not work like that.

Quote

4. Today is the last day when I can extend my j1 for two more months because of covid. It’s expensive and would it look weird since I got married and about to send my docs?

It won't impact your AOS case.

Edited June 30, 2020 by geowrian