EAD, pending i-485 and employment

[_Diver 2]

We got an EAD approval notice today. Only 1 month and 12 days later after USCIS received! Looking at the notice I see this section:

 

"If you have a pending or approved Form I-140 and a pending Form I-485, you may request to change employers if your Form I-485 has been pending for at least 180 days. In order to do so, you need to submit documentation about your new job offer. For more information on how to request a change of employers and what information you must submit, please visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov. If your EAD card expires before we make a final decision on your Form I-485, you may apply for a new EAD card."

 

My wife, who is the recipient of this EAD, is currently unemployed. But she has an employer lined up. Can she just start working for  that employer? The text above implies that EAD is tied to a specific employer. Does she need to do anything in that regard? Like let USCIS know who is going to be her employer? And what is the process if she decides to change an employer in the future?

 

Thanks!

[Boiler 45,795]

So you are adjusting through a work based petition

 

You are the principal applicant and she is a beneficiary?

[_Diver 2]

no, it's marriage base adjustment. I'm an US citizen and she is beneficiary. we filed marriage based I-130 and EAD/AP with i-485.

[Boiler 45,795]

Ok so not your situation

[_Diver 2]

4 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Ok so not your situation

does it mean i don't care about this at all and she can work for any employer without letting USCIS know?

[nastra30 2,309]

13 minutes ago, _Diver said:

does it mean i don't care about this at all and she can work for any employer without letting USCIS know? - Yes

 

[_Diver 2]

awesome, thank you very much everyone

[_Diver 2]

So it seems like SSN arrives some weeks later after EAD. Which seems strange to me, since EAD is literally an authorization to work. I assume there is no point to look for work until SSN arrives?

 

Also, does approval for EAD along say anything about overall chances for i-485 being approved?

[Verrou 1,962]

When I got a new job, I gave them my SS which is restricted and I have to pair up with EAD. And the approval of EAD is unrelated to the approval of I-485 

[Crazy Cat 41,985]

30 minutes ago, _Diver said:

So it seems like SSN arrives some weeks later after EAD. Which seems strange to me, since EAD is literally an authorization to work. I assume there is no point to look for work until SSN arrives?

 

Also, does approval for EAD along say anything about overall chances for i-485 being approved?

Sometimes the SS Card arrives first.  Either way, you need an EAD to work, and you will need a SSN before most employers can pay you.   EAD approval is irrelevant to I-485 approval.  The relevance is that if you receive an RFIE for your I-485, it will delay your EAD. 

Edited February 4, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[powerpuff 6,744]

I would definitely start looking for jobs and apply now as it takes time to actually get hired. You should have your SSN by that time. 

[_Diver 2]

thank you for responses everyone. what happens to EAD/SSN if i-485 doesn't get approved? I would assume EAD would be invalid, but how about SSN?

[powerpuff 6,744]

52 minutes ago, _Diver said:

thank you for responses everyone. what happens to EAD/SSN if i-485 doesn't get approved? I would assume EAD would be invalid, but how about SSN?

You mean if I-485 is denied? Yes, that would invalidate the EAD as it’s validity is tied to I-485.

 

SSN number is for life. 

[Penguin_ie 5,995]

**** two threads on similar issues merged.  To get the best answers and avoid cluttering the forums, please keep related/ follow on questions to one thread so all the info stays together *****

[_Diver 2]

silly question. let's say i-485 gets denied, which invalidates the EAD. in my field (software engineering) nobody cares about immigration status. and as long as one has SSN, they are ok. how does it work then?