When should I renew the EAD?

[Liwanj]

My I-485 status is "Case is ready to be scheduled for an interview" since December 2019 (USC marriage based) and received my EAD card at the end of 2019. Although there are 6 months until my EAD expiration, I am thinking about renew already because I don't have too much hope that the green card interview will happen soon due to the covid 19 situation. USCIS website says generally we should not file renewal application more than 180 days before the original one expires, does that mean I should do it now?

My main concern is USCIS website says there is a 180 days automatic extension once I file the renewal application. Does this automatic extension still start after my original EAD expiration (December 2020) even though I file the renewal application now or it will start as soon as USCIS receives my renewal application?

I am in NJ and I believe my field office is Newark. I think it will be a long wait... also my I-130 is still "Case is received", is it normal?

Thank you and I appreciate your thoughts!

[Isla_miles04]

My I-485 status is "Case is ready to be scheduled for an interview" since December 2019 (USC marriage based) and received my EAD card at the end of 2019. Although there are 6 months until my EAD expiration, I am thinking about renew already because I don't have too much hope that the green card interview will happen soon due to the covid 19 situation. USCIS website says generally we should not file renewal application more than 180 days before the original one expires, does that mean I should do it now?

My main concern is USCIS website says there is a 180 days automatic extension once I file the renewal application. Does this automatic extension still start after my original EAD expiration (December 2020) even though I file the renewal application now or it will start as soon as USCIS receives my renewal application?

I am in NJ and I believe my field office is Newark. I think it will be a long wait... also my I-130 is still "Case is received", is it normal?

Thank you and I appreciate your thoughts!

I think we're in a similar situation. My I-485 is "Case is ready to be scheduled for an interview" since Nov 2019 (USC marriage based too, Seattle office) and got my EAD "combo card" in January 2020. It will expire in Jan 2021 but I'm already thinking of applying for renewal probably towards end of this month.

I think it's safe if you submit an application for renewal within this month as well. Let me know what you think. If you gathered other helpful info, hope you share it with us.

[nhatmusic]

My I-485 status is "Case is ready to be scheduled for an interview" since December 2019 (USC marriage based) and received my EAD card at the end of 2019. Although there are 6 months until my EAD expiration, I am thinking about renew already because I don't have too much hope that the green card interview will happen soon due to the covid 19 situation. USCIS website says generally we should not file renewal application more than 180 days before the original one expires, does that mean I should do it now?

My main concern is USCIS website says there is a 180 days automatic extension once I file the renewal application. Does this automatic extension still start after my original EAD expiration (December 2020) even though I file the renewal application now or it will start as soon as USCIS receives my renewal application?

I am in NJ and I believe my field office is Newark. I think it will be a long wait... also my I-130 is still "Case is received", is it normal?

Thank you and I appreciate your thoughts!

Hi, I got the same status for my I-485 (November 2019) and I-130 as yours. I got my EAD in December 2019, it will be expired in 12/02/2020. I already submitted my renewal package on June 16 2020. After two weeks, I got the receipt of notice mentioned that it will automatically give me 180 extension days from the current EAD expiration day.

[DD1992]

September 2019 applicant
Case ready to be scheduled for an interview since Nov'19
I also got my EAD in December'19 and it will expire this December'20. I did read that if you want to apply for an EAD combo card (meaning work and travel), you have the following options.

• EAD------------------> Apply 180 days prior to expiration of your current work permit
• Advance Parole---> Apply 120 prior to expiration of your travel permit or Advance Parole

1. Apply 180 days prior to expiration of your current EAD card. This is the best option if you don't need a travel document.

2. Apply 180 days prior to expiration of your current EAD Combo Card, and apply 120 prior to the expiration of your EAD Combo card for Advance Parole. You will end up getting 1 EAD card for work, and a paper document that can be used for travel (which I personally find inconvenient).

2. Apply 120 before the expiration of your EAD Combo card renewal, so that you are within the timeline of both EAD card, and Advance Parole.

Given the 180 day extension that we will get when we renew, I am sure that if you are happened to get in a limbo where your interview isn't scheduled or your 180 day extension on your expired EAD card is not replaced- you can always raise an expedite request if you have a current job.

[Isla_miles04]

Hi, I got the same status for my I-485 (November 2019) and I-130 as yours. I got my EAD in December 2019, it will be expired in 12/02/2020. I already submitted my renewal package on June 16 2020. After two weeks, I got the receipt of notice mentioned that it will automatically give me 180 extension days from the current EAD expiration day.

Did you get a new "combo card" or just an EAD for work?

[Isla_miles04]

September 2019 applicant
Case ready to be scheduled for an interview since Nov'19
I also got my EAD in December'19 and it will expire this December'20. I did read that if you want to apply for an EAD combo card (meaning work and travel), you have the following options.

• EAD------------------> Apply 180 days prior to expiration of your current work permit
• Advance Parole---> Apply 120 prior to expiration of your travel permit or Advance Parole

1. Apply 180 days prior to expiration of your current EAD card. This is the best option if you don't need a travel document.

2. Apply 180 days prior to expiration of your current EAD Combo Card, and apply 120 prior to the expiration of your EAD Combo card for Advance Parole. You will end up getting 1 EAD card for work, and a paper document that can be used for travel (which I personally find inconvenient).

2. Apply 120 before the expiration of your EAD Combo card renewal, so that you are within the timeline of both EAD card, and Advance Parole.

Given the 180 day extension that we will get when we renew, I am sure that if you are happened to get in a limbo where your interview isn't scheduled or your 180 day extension on your expired EAD card is not replaced- you can always raise an expedite request if you have a current job.

It would be nice to get another EAD combo card since I'm planning to visit my family back home for at least a week when this whole pandemic is over. lol

Are there 2 separate forms to accomplish and submit for a combo card renewal?

[Isla_miles04]

Hi, I got the same status for my I-485 (November 2019) and I-130 as yours. I got my EAD in December 2019, it will be expired in 12/02/2020. I already submitted my renewal package on June 16 2020. After two weeks, I got the receipt of notice mentioned that it will automatically give me 180 extension days from the current EAD expiration day.

Hi If you don't mind, can you share the kind of documents you've submitted for EAD renewal? Me and my husband have been doing everything by ourselves, we don't have any lawyers helping us. Sure we can always Google stuff, but it's always nice to hear from someone who is going through the same experience. My EAD combo card expires in January 2021.

[nhatmusic]

Hi If you don't mind, can you share the kind of documents you've submitted for EAD renewal? Me and my husband have been doing everything by ourselves, we don't have any lawyers helping us. Sure we can always Google stuff, but it's always nice to hear from someone who is going through the same experience. My EAD combo card expires in January 2021.

I got the combo card and I also applied for both I-765 and I-131 renewal.
I included the following documents in my renewal package, there are some documents that are not necessary for the renewal process, however, I still submitted them.

• Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (please get the most updated form I-765)
• Copy of Form I-797C, Notice of Action for I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Copy of Electronic Form I-94
• Two (2) Passport photos (with name, date of birth and A-number written in the back)
• Copy of previous issued EAD Card. The most recent issued EAD card will expire on 12/02/2020
• Copy of Passport Bio Page
• Copy of Driver License
• Portion to speed application for an extension or replacement card

The following documents were submitted for I-131

• Form I-131 Application for Travel Document
• Copy of Form I-797C, Notice of Action for I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Copy of Electronic Form I-94
• Two (2) Passport photos
• Copy of Passport Bio Page
• Copy of Driver License
• Copy of previous issued I-512 Advance Parole Document (Expiration Date: 12/02/2020)

[Isla_miles04]

I got the combo card and I also applied for both I-765 and I-131 renewal.
I included the following documents in my renewal package, there are some documents that are not necessary for the renewal process, however, I still submitted them.

• Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (please get the most updated form I-765)
• Copy of Form I-797C, Notice of Action for I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Copy of Electronic Form I-94
• Two (2) Passport photos (with name, date of birth and A-number written in the back)
• Copy of previous issued EAD Card. The most recent issued EAD card will expire on 12/02/2020
• Copy of Passport Bio Page
• Copy of Driver License
• Portion to speed application for an extension or replacement card

The following documents were submitted for I-131

• Form I-131 Application for Travel Document
• Copy of Form I-797C, Notice of Action for I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Copy of Electronic Form I-94
• Two (2) Passport photos
• Copy of Passport Bio Page
• Copy of Driver License
• Copy of previous issued I-512 Advance Parole Document (Expiration Date: 12/02/2020)

Thank you so much for this!!! Will start preparing our docs! Thank you!

[Isla_miles04]

I got the combo card and I also applied for both I-765 and I-131 renewal.
I included the following documents in my renewal package, there are some documents that are not necessary for the renewal process, however, I still submitted them.

• Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (please get the most updated form I-765)
• Copy of Form I-797C, Notice of Action for I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Copy of Electronic Form I-94
• Two (2) Passport photos (with name, date of birth and A-number written in the back)
• Copy of previous issued EAD Card. The most recent issued EAD card will expire on 12/02/2020
• Copy of Passport Bio Page
• Copy of Driver License
• Portion to speed application for an extension or replacement card

The following documents were submitted for I-131

• Form I-131 Application for Travel Document
• Copy of Form I-797C, Notice of Action for I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Copy of Electronic Form I-94
• Two (2) Passport photos
• Copy of Passport Bio Page
• Copy of Driver License
• Copy of previous issued I-512 Advance Parole Document (Expiration Date: 12/02/2020)

Just a question, what exactly is the I-512 Advance Parole Document? Is this the EAD combo card as well?

[nhatmusic]

Just a question, what exactly is the I-512 Advance Parole Document? Is this the EAD combo card as well?

Yes, it is the combo card as well.

[Isla_miles04]

Yes, it is the combo card as well.

Thanks for being so generous!

[NYC/She]

Yes, it is the combo card as well.

Hi. I have a question to you.
I have a pending I-485 and I know I do not got a GC soon. So I have to renew my EAD and apply first time for a AP. I do not apply before because I do not plan to travel. My questions. If I have a pending I-485 Do I have to pay a new fee for EAD and AP or it’s free.

[Enub4]

Hi. I have a question to you.
I have a pending I-485 and I know I do not got a GC soon. So I have to renew my EAD and apply first time for a AP. I do not apply before because I do not plan to travel. My questions. If I have a pending I-485 Do I have to pay a new fee for EAD and AP or it’s free.

Free. You must include a copy of your I-485 receipt.

[Liwanj]

Free. You must include a copy of your I-485 receipt.

I am preparing to file the renew application. When I filed the initial application I was F-1 status. Am I still F-1 status with a pending I-485 or I need to fill another status in the application? Thank you!