Interview scheduled but no news about EAD

[andromeda123]

I'm in California and applied for AOS by marriage to USC
Green card timeline :
March 29, 2018 : Application received
April 16, 2018 : Received 797 receipts
May 8, 2018 : Biometrics Done
May 10, 2018 : i-485 case update, interview is ready to be scheduled
May 14, 2018 : Received interview notice
June 21, 2018 : Interview date

My current EAD expires on June 14, 2018. I'm currently working but will have to go on unpaid leave for a bit. Not sure to even expect EAD to arrive before the interview as I haven't received any more updates on i-765. Can the EAD still arrive before the interview? Told my employer the situation and they are pretty supportive but not sure what timeline to give them. Also, how long after the interview can you receive the Green Card in hand. I read that it arrives within 2 months for marriage based cases but what are other people's experiences?

Also, the medical exam I submitted had expired forms. The doctor's office used forms that were expired and were older version. Waiting on USCIS to inform me to either get a new exam or bring some other proof. Has this happened to anyone before? What was your result?

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

I'm in California and applied for AOS by marriage to USC
Green card timeline :
March 29, 2018 : Application received
April 16, 2018 : Received 797 receipts
May 8, 2018 : Biometrics Done
May 10, 2018 : i-485 case update, interview is ready to be scheduled
May 14, 2018 : Received interview notice
June 21, 2018 : Interview date

My current EAD expires on June 14, 2018. I'm currently working but will have to go on unpaid leave for a bit. Not sure to even expect EAD to arrive before the interview as I haven't received any more updates on i-765. Can the EAD still arrive before the interview? Told my employer the situation and they are pretty supportive but not sure what timeline to give them. Also, how long after the interview can you receive the Green Card in hand. I read that it arrives within 2 months for marriage based cases but what are other people's experiences?

Also, the medical exam I submitted had expired forms. The doctor's office used forms that were expired and were older version. Waiting on USCIS to inform me to either get a new exam or bring some other proof. Has this happened to anyone before? What was your result?

I understand you are stressed out, but you are almost at the finish line. Patience. If you are approved on the spot, you may ask the ISO for a I-551 stamp on your passport as proof of your green card. That stamp is good for a year. As of late, people get turned down when they ask, but it seems they get turned down, because they're asking for it as a matter of convenience or to have it. In your case, you would need to show your employer some proof of eligibility for employment authorization. I would even bring a letter or something showing that you had to go on leave as of June 14th, 2018 - when your EAD expires.

If you are not approved on the spot, then you should ask the ISO to approve the I-765/I-131 EAD/AP combo card. They should offer to do so. But you know, they have a lot in their minds, and are humans, too. They may not put 2 and 2 together. So just ask politely, as you would like to get back to work. Done.

Normally, you would just wait for your green card in the mail. If you get an approval on the spot, it can take as little as a week. However, if your case is held for further review, then there's no way to know how long that can take. If I were you, I'd focus on getting approved on the spot. This thread is a collection of links that can help you with that. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...iew-tips/page2

[MissTz1982]

I understand you are stressed out, but you are almost at the finish line. Patience. If you are approved on the spot, you may ask the ISO for a I-551 stamp on your passport as proof of your green card. That stamp is good for a year. As of late, people get turned down when they ask, but it seems they get turned down, because they're asking for it as a matter of convenience or to have it. In your case, you would need to show your employer some proof of eligibility for employment authorization. I would even bring a letter or something showing that you had to go on leave as of June 14th, 2018 - when your EAD expires.

If you are not approved on the spot, then you should ask the ISO to approve the I-765/I-131 EAD/AP combo card. They should offer to do so. But you know, they have a lot in their minds, and are humans, too. They may not put 2 and 2 together. So just ask politely, as you would like to get back to work. Done.

Normally, you would just wait for your green card in the mail. If you get an approval on the spot, it can take as little as a week. However, if your case is held for further review, then there's no way to know how long that can take. If I were you, I'd focus on getting approved on the spot. This thread is a collection of links that can help you with that. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...iew-tips/page2

Hey. I had a question. Does one have have financial hardship with a job offer to ask for the EAD to be expedited or a job offfer is just enough?

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

Hey. I had a question. Does one have have financial hardship with a job offer to ask for the EAD to be expedited or a job offfer is just enough?

If you're referring to financial hardship to the company/business, USCIS will likely approve a request to expedite the EAD/AP. But if it's personal financial hardship and you filed a I-864 along with your AOS package, then your request is unlikely to be considered or approved.
If you have a verifiable job offer in writing, then go for it.

[MissTz1982]

If you're referring to financial hardship to the company/business, USCIS will likely approve a request to expedite the EAD/AP. But if it's personal financial hardship and you filed a I-864 along with your AOS package, then your request is unlikely to be considered or approved.
If you have a verifiable job offer in writing, then go for it.

Thank you for the reply. I have never had an EAD before. I was wondering wether to let the process play out or ask for it to be expedited once I get a job offer as I have started applying for jobs. I?m 91 in so far since they received my application. My status is ?case is ready to be scheduled for interview?. It would be great to start helping my husband with some bills. Living on one income has been quite challenging.

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

Thank you for the reply. I have never had an EAD before. I was wondering wether to let the process play out or ask for it to be expedited once I get a job offer as I have started applying for jobs. I?m 91 in so far since they received my application. My status is ?case is ready to be scheduled for interview?. It would be great to start helping my husband with some bills. Living on one income has been quite challenging.

MissTz1982,

I apologize I had not seen your follow-up message. I have always lived by this "Let THEM say no". Don't decline the request yourself, before you even send it. Get a job - ANY job - then, make the request, let them evaluate it, and see what you get. If they deny it, you can always re-state your case. It does not have to be your dream job. You're not adjusting through your employer, either. Thus, if the job is outside of your field, that is OK, too. It's a job.

I understand your situation. I have been there. Meeting ends with one income is not easy. There's a way to put a positive spin to it, of course. Living off one income - is a strategy that working couples use to get ahead financially. Not to get all trascendental here, but take a moment to contemplate your situation, and rise above. "Right now" is temporary. The time will come when your biggest problem will be which Roomba model to choose - 980 vs 960. Take this as an opportunity to master living off one income. Embrace it. Get creative. Look for ways to keep your cost down, and bring up your household's spirit. Take pride in living frugally.

Look around, and ask yourself if you have everything you need. I bet that you do. State it. "We have everything we need". That feeling of anxiety that comes from not having the EAD yet, will go away. Make the EAD or interview notice an added bonus in your life, and not something that life owes you. Financial advancement happens fast in this country; especially if you team up with your spouse. It's easy to get caught up in accummulating possessions. Enjoy the increased purchasing power you will soon have, but don't let possessions rule your life.

Here are a few resources that you might find useful:

1. pronunciationworkshop.com - this course is a life changer. Being understood is key in advancing in this country. The American ear is the most unforgiving ear there is. If you don't have a foreign or regional accent, then at least, others will see this resource here.

2. https://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com This blog will show you everything you need to know about credit cards and travel rewards. Spend some time going through it.

3. mrmoneymustache.com - frugal living at its best. This guy and his wife retured in their early 30s. Neither had a 6 figure income. They focused on investing money they did not need to live. They have a son. They also keep their living expenses at $25,000 per year. At this point, they own their home, as well as other properties. He walks you through investment choices, and funds.

4. Biggerpockets.com - everything you need to know to achieve financial freedom through real estate investment, and income properties. Must read.

It might be too early for these things to register in your ears. Sort of like the Laurel vs. Yanni - thing. But I am just putting it out there for anyone to come back to.

One last thing, ask yourself right now, if you think you will retire in the US. Do not be surprised, if your answer changes in 10, 20 or 30 years. I know for a fact, that I will not retire here. At 55, I am out. Off to Asia, where my dollars go a long way. When people try to sell you retirement at age 72, ask yourself if you are limited by the same things that most americans are limited by. Language? Most people in this forum speak another language, in addition to English, and living outside the US isn't a completely foreign idea.

I digressed A LOT. Point is, use this extra time you have in your hands, productively. Life in the US happens FAST. You may never get this much downtime again. All the best.

[andromeda123]

I understand you are stressed out, but you are almost at the finish line. Patience. If you are approved on the spot, you may ask the ISO for a I-551 stamp on your passport as proof of your green card. That stamp is good for a year. As of late, people get turned down when they ask, but it seems they get turned down, because they're asking for it as a matter of convenience or to have it. In your case, you would need to show your employer some proof of eligibility for employment authorization. I would even bring a letter or something showing that you had to go on leave as of June 14th, 2018 - when your EAD expires.

If you are not approved on the spot, then you should ask the ISO to approve the I-765/I-131 EAD/AP combo card. They should offer to do so. But you know, they have a lot in their minds, and are humans, too. They may not put 2 and 2 together. So just ask politely, as you would like to get back to work. Done.

Normally, you would just wait for your green card in the mail. If you get an approval on the spot, it can take as little as a week. However, if your case is held for further review, then there's no way to know how long that can take. If I were you, I'd focus on getting approved on the spot. This thread is a collection of links that can help you with that. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...iew-tips/page2

Thank you for your suggestions! I had a question about my medical exam. As I will bring a new one to the interview, will this cause delay in their decision?

[kaylip]

I understand you are stressed out, but you are almost at the finish line. Patience. If you are approved on the spot, you may ask the ISO for a I-551 stamp on your passport as proof of your green card. That stamp is good for a year. As of late, people get turned down when they ask, but it seems they get turned down, because they're asking for it as a matter of convenience or to have it. In your case, you would need to show your employer some proof of eligibility for employment authorization. I would even bring a letter or something showing that you had to go on leave as of June 14th, 2018 - when your EAD expires.

If you are not approved on the spot, then you should ask the ISO to approve the I-765/I-131 EAD/AP combo card. They should offer to do so. But you know, they have a lot in their minds, and are humans, too. They may not put 2 and 2 together. So just ask politely, as you would like to get back to work. Done.

Normally, you would just wait for your green card in the mail. If you get an approval on the spot, it can take as little as a week. However, if your case is held for further review, then there's no way to know how long that can take. If I were you, I'd focus on getting approved on the spot. This thread is a collection of links that can help you with that. https://www.immihelp.com/forum/showt...iew-tips/page2

I don't think the ISO who interviews has the authority to approve i765/i131 applications because when I asked for an update on what was going on with my application he checked his system (which was slow BTW) and told me a term I can't remember but basically he said the term means it's on the desk of the officer, preparing to be approved. So I think that while applications are being sent off, it sits there in a filing room, waiting to be attended to in the order of which the cases come.

[andromeda123]

Update

Hey guys, just wanted to update my case. I got approved on the spot. The card was shipped and will arrive on Thursday (USPS tracking). The interviewer asked us questions about our life together and asked for all the supporting documents we had which were quite a few. I'm so happy! Good luck to everyone here!

[Tezza]

Hey guys, just wanted to update my case. I got approved on the spot. The card was shipped and will arrive on Thursday (USPS tracking). The interviewer asked us questions about our life together and asked for all the supporting documents we had which were quite a few. I'm so happy! Good luck to everyone here!

Excellent news. My interview was scheduled within 3 months too, so it's nice to see a recent spurt of people getting their interviews within 3 or 4 months mostly getting approved on the spot, hopefully it means they're moving quickly and our cases looks good to them and they want to get it interviewed and done - that's how I choose to think anyway.

I will of course be taking a hell of a lot of supporting documents in 3 folders to cover every angle though!

Congrats again and good luck in your future with your GC.