Help on Renewal of EAD Combo Card

[Samin. 1]

Hello everyone! 

 

I am currently on AOS but the green card process is taking a long time unfortunately and it’s been now 18 months I am waiting for GC interview. My EAD Combo card is going to expire in April 2021.  

Previously my lawyer submitted this along with I-485 etc. but this time I’m planning to apply for a Renewal EAD Combo card myself. So, I have a couple of questions: 

1.      What kind of precaution required while filling I-765 and I-131?

2.      Is there any fee for renewal EAD combo card now?

3.      Do I need to send a covering letter or any other documents along with forms?

 

Thank You,

[Ar77668 16]

Hi there.

 

Sorry you've been waiting for almost 18 months for the GC interview.

 

I renewed my EAD before my interview, just to be prepared in case the interview happens to be delayed (did not have an interview date set by the time I applied)

 

And yes! Definitely go ahead and file the I765 and 131 renewal yourself, they are pretty straightforward forms and don't wait for a lawyer if you have taken a look at them and have no outstanding questions.

 

#1. No specific precautions for 765 and 131 renewal. Make sure you check the box on the form which says "renewal" and not a "new" or "first" application

#2. There is no fee for EAD renewal if your original I485 case was filed under category (c)(9) i.e. adjustment of status for an immediate relative of a US citizen. For other categories I don't remember on top of my head, but please take a look here https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

#3. Yes. Cover letter is not required, but a good idea to include one. It should be simple, just one paragraph about why are you filing (mention that your current EAD is expiring within 180 days) and your I485 case number with filing date.

For the evidence/documents at least include these:

- Current EAD front and back copies (color)

- I485 case number

- I485 notice of action I797 showing that the case has been received

- If you still have the "tear-off" section from old EAD include that too. I didn't and it was fine

- Photos of current password

- Last I94 record

 

Include a form G-1145 too, good to have

 

Include all documents in this order

1. Cover letter

2. G 1145 if you are adding it

3. 765

4. 131

5. Old EAD

6. I485 receipt notice

7. Passport

8. I94

 

Good luck! Hopefully you'll have the IOE case number assigned which I think stands for electronic processing and gets resolved super fast (compared to USCIS average processing time).

And if you are not confident about filing yourself, do seek legal advice. Just my opinion that 765 and 131 are much simpler.

[Letspaintcookies 2,310]

Doesn't it also require new passport style pictures?

[HRQX 4,145]

52 minutes ago, Letspaintcookies said:

Doesn't it also require new passport style pictures?

Yes, per the instructions.

 

I'll just note that for my 2 renewals (in 2019 and 2020 since I'm a Dec. 2017 I-485 filer) I didn't include those pictures and it wasn't an issue. But YMMV.

[Samin. 1]

On 12/11/2020 at 5:12 PM, Ar77668 said:

Hi there.

 

Sorry you've been waiting for almost 18 months for the GC interview.

 

I renewed my EAD before my interview, just to be prepared in case the interview happens to be delayed (did not have an interview date set by the time I applied)

 

And yes! Definitely go ahead and file the I765 and 131 renewal yourself, they are pretty straightforward forms and don't wait for a lawyer if you have taken a look at them and have no outstanding questions.

 

#1. No specific precautions for 765 and 131 renewal. Make sure you check the box on the form which says "renewal" and not a "new" or "first" application

#2. There is no fee for EAD renewal if your original I485 case was filed under category (c)(9) i.e. adjustment of status for an immediate relative of a US citizen. For other categories I don't remember on top of my head, but please take a look here https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

#3. Yes. Cover letter is not required, but a good idea to include one. It should be simple, just one paragraph about why are you filing (mention that your current EAD is expiring within 180 days) and your I485 case number with filing date.

For the evidence/documents at least include these:

- Current EAD front and back copies (color)

- I485 case number

- I485 notice of action I797 showing that the case has been received

- If you still have the "tear-off" section from old EAD include that too. I didn't and it was fine

- Photos of current password

- Last I94 record

 

Include a form G-1145 too, good to have

 

Include all documents in this order

1. Cover letter

2. G 1145 if you are adding it

3. 765

4. 131

5. Old EAD

6. I485 receipt notice

7. Passport

8. I94

 

Good luck! Hopefully you'll have the IOE case number assigned which I think stands for electronic processing and gets resolved super fast (compared to USCIS average processing time).

And if you are not confident about filing yourself, do seek legal advice. Just my opinion that 765 and 131 are much simpler.

Thanks... i have been told by someone just fill I-765, I-131 and old EAD copies. no need for other document. 

this message is mentioned on USCIS case status check against I-485 since March 2020 "We will schedule your interview and send you a notice" . they are keep saying delay is due to Covid.  any suggestion?

what is IOE?

[HRQX 4,145]

4 minutes ago, Samin. said:

what is IOE?

"Integrated Operating Environment." Most renewals start with IOE and are processed in about 3 to 4 months.

[Samin. 1]

3 minutes ago, HRQX said:

"Integrated Operating Environment." Most renewals start with IOE and are processed in about 3 to 4 months.

thanks, how to assign IOE to my case I-485? 

[HRQX 4,145]

1 minute ago, Samin. said:

thanks, how to assign IOE to my case I-485? 

Can't change it. I assume your I-485 number starts with MSC.

[Samin. 1]

1 hour ago, HRQX said:

Can't change it. I assume your I-485 number starts with MSC.

yes, its start with MSC. what does this mean?

[HRQX 4,145]

1 minute ago, Samin. said:

yes, its start with MSC. what does this mean?

National Benefits Center (which used to be called Missouri Service Center)

 

It's where I-485 is initially routed to before eventually being sent to your local Field Office.

[Samin. 1]

3 minutes ago, HRQX said:

National Benefits Center (which used to be called Missouri Service Center)

 

It's where I-485 is initially routed to before eventually being sent to your local Field Office.

thanks

[Ar77668 16]

IOEs also get sent an Online account setup code in mail. Apparently there are two tracking systems within USCIS website. myUSCIS and the other popular one.

The online code is for the myUSCIS version of case tracker. For the cases with online code it also allows uploading documents directly through the website.

As for getting assigned IOE, I believe it is somewhat random and we cannot or enforce that but like @HRQX said they are could be more likely for renewal cases.

[Samin. 1]

19 hours ago, Ar77668 said:

IOEs also get sent an Online account setup code in mail. Apparently there are two tracking systems within USCIS website. myUSCIS and the other popular one.

The online code is for the myUSCIS version of case tracker. For the cases with online code it also allows uploading documents directly through the website.

As for getting assigned IOE, I believe it is somewhat random and we cannot or enforce that but like @HRQX said they are could be more likely for renewal cases.

so would you prefer to make online account and upload my renewal EAD Combo card?

[HRQX 4,145]

30 minutes ago, Samin. said:

so would you prefer to make online account and upload my renewal EAD Combo card?

There is no online filing option for I-765 or I-131. With the online account you can track the case statuses after you paper file.

[Samin. 1]

5 minutes ago, HRQX said:

There is no online filing option for I-765 or I-131. With the online account you can track the case statuses after you paper file.

Thank you so much