EAD timeline? (urgent)

[british_guy]

I applied for I-485, I-131 and I-765 on October 10th, 2019. I recieved NOA on October 23rd, 2019 and a few days ago recieved an appointment for biometrics on November 21st, 2019 (in a week today!).

How long after my biometrics appointment will I receive my EAD?

I have a cruise booked for March 1st, 2020 and do not wish to miss this.

[Jgonzcor]

It is important to note that EAS is not the same as advanced parole. Make sure you don't leave the US unless.younhave the AP in hand

[August32]

Reading others experiences it seems like EADs are currently taking 4.5 - 6 months to process at NBC.

You can check these here: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

[Gcvawa2019]

Depending on where you filed. But for instance, when i filed (march 2019) the wait time was 5-7 months.
there is a way to expedite it. Definitely not because you don’t want to miss a cruise though. Say you have some kind of emergency in your home country etc they might expedite it

[british_guy]

I filed October 10, 2019.

[Enub4]

I don't recommend lying to get an emergency AP.
Sorry to say that most people don't get the AP in less than 5 months but I have seen some cases that get the GC in 4. Good luck.

[british_guy]

I wasn’t suggesting I lie to immigration for AP. I believe it’s a combo travel and work card.

[Gcvawa2019]

I don't recommend lying to get an emergency AP.
Sorry to say that most people don't get the AP in less than 5 months but I have seen some cases that get the GC in 4. Good luck.

Definitely wasn’t even trying to suggest to lie. I just said that such thing exists, definitely not for a cruise reason, though. Which is why i set an example of under what conditions you can get it....

[denithedreamers]

With recent increase in processing time, I wouldn't rely on USCIS estimate of 5 months for EAD/AP card. If you were to get EAD/AP card within 5 months, that means you would get it by March 10th, 2020, several days after your cruise is supposed to start. It could take faster, or longer.

Normally, you would be able to petition for an expedited process for emergency. However, I don't think USCIS would consider a cruise as an emergency let alone consider it be the reason to expedite.

I know it may be hard as I don't know your situations very well, but I think you should consider rescheduling your cruise. It is still 4.5 months away, you might be able to get your money back.

[Enub4]

Sorry, my comment was not directed at anyone. I understand that emergencies do happen (travel) and reason to expedite EAD too (and most time it comes with AP). And you clearly wrote that, but I had to read it again because English is not my first language.
I was just trying to make sure visitors reading this topic don't get the wrong idea.

[british_guy]

I have read online that people get their work / travel card 90 days after filing the petition. How accurate is this?

[Hotaru-Grace]

I have read online that people get their work / travel card 90 days after filing the petition. How accurate is this?

Yes that was my experience. We applied in July 18, 2017, did biometrics in August , 2017. Got our EAD by October 5, 2017; which was technically less than 90 days since the biometrics. However, that was in 2017 and it seems that in some states the wait for documents might be longer than the times in others; the same was true in 2017.

Overall, while under immigration proceedings avoidable trips, appointments or plans should not be made. The USCIS processing times might vary, and documents might arrive in time for some, but in many cases the document timeline is unpredictable. As such any process with USCIS should take precedence over any other intent and 'avoidable' personal plans.

[Hotaru-Grace]

I filed October 10, 2019.

Well it is likely that you will get the EAD (combo) or hopefully you applied for Advance Parole by February 2020 the latest, if as you say your biometrics is in November 2019. However, please understand that the USCIS as well as other regular federal businesses (except the USPS) do have a slow down in operation during the end of every fiscal or regular year. Hence, during October- December and even to mid -January there are less outputs to the public. So keep checking your mail at least 4- 6 weeks after biometrics and hope for the best, but do not rule out rescheduling your cruise (before the timeline for that comes). All the best.

[Gcvawa2019]

Sorry, my comment was not directed at anyone. I understand that emergencies do happen (travel) and reason to expedite EAD too (and most time it comes with AP). And you clearly wrote that, but I had to read it again because English is not my first language.
I was just trying to make sure visitors reading this topic don't get the wrong idea.

I figured, no worries. But later as you mentioned something,i realized it might have sounded a bit odd the way i wrote it. So i wanted to clarify my comment.

[ihaveit29]

I received my EAD + AP 7 months after my priority date. Processing of the EAD + AP has been longer recently. So be prepared to cancel your travel plans if need be.