The new Administration has raised anxieties in immigrant and asylum seeker communities. In part, this is because of President Trump’s rhetoric (and rhetorical style) during the election. And in part, it’s because we just don’t know what to expect from a Trump Administration. Rumors have been flying: Will there be some sort of Muslim ban? Will the President repeal DACA? Or will he (and Congress) create a permanent legalization for DACA recipients? Mr. Trump will be issuing some executive orders later today banning Syrian and other refugees from coming to the U.S., and restricting visas for people from certain Middle Eastern countries. How this will all play out, we shall see.
But amidst the uncertainty, there is some good news related to work permits—or Employment Authorization Documents (“EADs”)—for asylum seekers.
First, last fall, the government started issuing two-year EADs instead of one-year EADs to people with pending asylum cases. This was a helpful development. It saves money since applicants now only have to apply for a new card every other year. It also makes it easier to obtain and retain employment, since employers feel more confident hiring people who have a longer period of authorized employment. In addition, many states issue driver’s licenses that correspond to the dates on the EAD, so a two-year card means a two-year license. All this helps ease the wait for people seeking asylum.
Second, last week the government issued new (and long anticipated) regulations “to help prevent gaps in employment authorization”:
DHS is providing for the automatic extension of expiring EADs (and underlying employment authorization, if applicable) for up to 180 days with respect to individuals who are seeking renewal of their EADs (and, if applicable, employment authorization) based on the same employment authorization categories under which they were granted.
This means that when you file to renew your EAD, your card will be automatically extended for 180 days once you receive the receipt (it usually takes three or four weeks to get the receipt). This is an important development, since USCIS has been taking months to process EAD renewals, and people were losing their jobs and driver’s licenses while they waited for their new EADs.
The automatic EAD extensions apply to refugees, people with asylum, and people who have pending asylum or withholding of removal cases, among others. You can see the new regulations here (see page 82491, the second to last page of the PDF) and here (page 82455, footnote 98, which lists the categories of people eligible for the automatic EAD extension).
Also, remember that you can apply for a new EAD up to 120 days before the old card expires. Even with the most recent change, it is still a good idea to apply early for your new card, so you receive the replacement EAD as soon as possible.
And here’s one last tip for today. If you cannot afford to pay for the new EAD (fees recently went up), you can request a fee waiver from USCIS, which—if granted—allows you to obtain a new EAD without paying the fee. To apply for a fee waiver, use form I-912, available here.
I have written many times about the affirmative asylum backlog. It has been a real disaster for asylum seekers—especially those separated from their family members. The recent changes to the EAD process, during the waning days of the Obama Administration, have at least made one aspect of the wait easier, and for that, we can be thankful.
[Update 03/27/17: USCIS has published a helpful summary of the categories eligible for the automatic extension here. They also created a useful Fact Sheet, available here.]
Hi Jason,
I have a pending asylum case and I already got my EAD in July this month.When I applied for asylum in Dec 2017, my husband was here in the US but he was not included in the application, just myself and our 4 kids.While he was returning to our home country in March this year, an immigration officer at the airport called him and asked him some questions.And after all the questioning, the office cancelled his visa…
My question is how does he reapply to come back to the US having cancelled his visa?What are the implications of a cancelled visa and does it affect my pending asylum case in anyway?
NB: His visa coincidentally expired in March, the same month he travelled back home, having spent 3months in the US. Please advise me.I have my hands really full coping with the kids and trying to get a job.
Whenever a person’s close family member is seeking asylum, it is more difficult to get most types of visas. I wrote about this on April 18, 2014. Some visas that may not be affected by your asylum application are the H1b and the L, or basically any type of immigration visa. Cancelling his visa should not affect your asylum case. However, depending on the case, you may need to explain why you need asylum if it was safe for your husband to go home. Take care, Jason
Thank you for your quick response Jason.
The basis for asylum was on FGM issues coming from my parents-in-law.Do you still think I will be asked why it was safe for him to travel back home?
Also, what are the implications of a cancelled or revoked visa? Do they mean the same thing? “Cancelled / revoked” was what the officer wrote (with a pen) on his visa.
Thank you.
They could ask about his return trip. For example, if his parents want to circumcise you, and he opposes that, does he face harm? So you should be prepared to discuss that. As for the visa, it is no longer valid and if he wants to return to the US, he would need a new visa. I suspect that for most visas, that will be difficult to obtain, since they have cancelled his prior visa. Like I say, he might have better luck applying for an H1b visa or an L visa than most other types of visas. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
Greetings to you,this is my question,I applied for an EAD before my 150days expired and I was given adenial letter and I noticed that the solution is to re-apply,but my question is do I have to include the denial letter in my application? Or I just have to write the reason why I was denied.
Secondly in the form there is a question saying have you ever applied for a EAD? What should I say? Thank you so much sir.
I would include the denial letter and I think you have to indicate that you applied before, since you did. What I do not know is whether you have to pay the fee. I would try to not do that, but do not know whether that will work. Maybe the instruction provide some guidance on this, but I am not sure. You can also try a fee waiver, form I-912, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hi dear Jason,
Thanks in advance for your helpful replies. I applied for my “initial” EAD after 150 days of our pending asylum case. My EAD status is pending today for 35 days. I was on H1-b visa that expires very soon (07/13/18) The employer wants the work authorization paper as soon as possible or I will lose the only financial resource for our family of five! I am also dependent to my wife who is the principal applicant. Is my case qualified for applying for the temporary work authorization ( Interim 240 days card) ? I am trying to schedule an appointment with iNFOPASS system online but it’s still not available and I have to check every day to find a slot! What do you think sir?!
Thanks
My understanding is that there is no more interim EADs. Maybe try late at night (after 12:30 AM) for Info Pass. If you cannot get it, you can go anyway, and explain to them that you tried for an appointment, but that none were an available and it is an emergency. I do not know whether they can help expedite the EAD, but you can try. You can also call them – the phone number can be found at http://www.uscis.gov. Good luck, Jason
I can’t believe it! After I read your reply, I just checked my case status. It changed to “new card is being produced”. Thanks Mr. Jason and Good luck for others.
HeyJanson,am currently filling up the I 765 form for EAD application for the first time. The USCIS site mentions that I have to send 2 photographs with my name and the ‘Alien Receipt Number’ lightly written at the back,and also question n-o14on the application form asks for Alien registration number(A-Number)or Form 1-94 Number if any? What is this ‘Alien Receipt Number’?And how can I tackle question14 please.Thank you
We write the name and Alien number on the back of the photo, and that works fine. The Alien number or A-number is the 9-digit number on your asylum receipt. It probably starts with 208, 209 or 210. Take care, Jason
I put in a good word for you. Apparently, it worked…
Thanks Jason,life saver indeed.
Hi, i was denied my work permit cz applying before 150 days what next
Apply again after 150 days and explain what happened with the first application. Take care, Jason
Good day sir.
im a pending asylum seeker , have already apply for my ead after 150 days but have forgoten to include my biometric letter with the application form, i only included my asylum application receipt for the prove.and again, i did not write my name and my allien number at the back of my 2photograph.hope they are not going to turn me down.your advice is needed sir
thank you
I doubt this will block you. If USCIS needs more info from you, they will send you a letter and then you can send whatever might be missing from the EAD application. It is not a big deal and will not cause much delay. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason
We are very horrified by the recent news of the US quit the UN Human Rights Councel. Will that decision affect the asylum application that is mainly based on human rights? Please we will appreciate your response!
Thanks
It should have no effect on asylum cases. This is related to international human rights and does not affect asylum in the US. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
I am planning to apply for my EAD renewal. Do I need to submit all the evidences that I have initially submitted with the my I-589 Form since it said in the filling instruction that:
File Form I-765 with:
1. A copy of the USCIS acknowledgement mailer which was mailed to you;
2. Other evidence that your Form I-589 was filed with USCIS;
3. Evidence that your Form I-589 was filed with an Immigration Judge at the Executive Office for Immigration Review
(EOIR); or
4. Evidence that your asylum application remains under administrative or judicial review.
Thanks
In such cases, we submit evidence that the asylum case is still pending (receipts, biometric notices). We do not submit evidence for the asylum case, such as witness letters. But I do not know about your case, so I cannot specially advise you about what to do. Take care, Jason
Good day Attorney. Will be so glad if you can respond to my enquiry.
I applied for assylum((i-589) since Dec 3017 through my attorney. Ireceived a receipt of my application after few weeks after!
Till date, I have not received any biometrics invitation. My lawyer keep saying the process is slow, but am becoming uncomfortable with her reason.
I logged onto the USICS website to check for the status of my application, but what keep popping up is the number I entered is invalid.
This is the number on the receipt.
Have tried calling USICS but no head way as they don’t usually pick up.
Please what can I do?
Second, can I use the alien number on the receiptto obtain driver’s license and can it also be use to obtain work authorization??
Thanking you in advance for your response!!!
You should have received the biometric appointment by now. I recommend you contact (email) your local asylum office and ask about biometrics. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. You should be eligible to apply for a work permit now (form I-765, available at ww.usics.gov). Once you have that, you should be able to get a driver’s license. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason for the timely response!!
Will act accordingly!!
Am grateful!!
Hello Jason !
I am so glad there are people like you in this country that helps people like us and provide life saving informations. I have a question in my mind that even my lawyer hasn’t been responsive. My Asylum is pending and i have been waiting for my interview for the past 3 years. My End expired 2 years ago and i would like to renew again as the interview date staking too long. I read in the USCIS website that i have renew within 180 days of expiration date. Can I still renew or if not, is there any way to get a valid EAD card so i can survive here ?
Thanks ! Namaste
Tenzin Lama
If the asylum case is pending, you can renew the EAD using form I-765, available at http://www.uscis.gov. That is no problem. Take care, Jason
Hey Jason,when do the 150 days clock start??
When the asylum application (form I-589) is received by USCIS or the court. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason thank ki for answering all the questions my question is my asylum case is denied I just received the letter of intent to deny and my work permit days are about 110 days if I ty to reopen the case like rebuttal can I still have a chance to receive work permit when it has 150 days
I wrote about the Notice of Intent to Deny on February 21, 2018 – maybe that would help. The “clock” keeps going until you get the final denial, so if you respond to the NOID and it takes them a few months to answer you, you might get the EAD (you can apply after 150 days, but unless the clock reaches 180 days, you cannot actually get the EAD, and also if the case is denied, the EAD will be invalidated at that time). Take care, Jason
Hi,
My Wife applied for asylum on Nov 2017, I was included in the application, but we got separated on Jan 2018, I applied for Asylum application on Feb 2018, till now I did not get the receipt, I applied for EAD and got denied because 150 haven’t passed as I submit it too early, my question my 150 days clock will be stopped once I submit my own application or it will keep counting till I get the receipt for my application
Thanks
The process to submit a case is different if you were previously part of a case. You should have filed at your local asylum office. You can contact them and ask about that. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. If you do not get a response from the new case you filed (and it seems you won’t), you should probably file a Freedom of Information Act request, form G-639, available at http://www.uscis.gov, to get a copy of that case (you may need proof that it was filed later on). That is free, and you should get it in a few months, but like I say, you may need to re-file your case at the local office – contact them and ask. Take care, Jason
hi there,
Im Junior. im an asylum seeker and im on my way to have 150 days that gives me access to apply for EAD. and my wife (a dependant) just get in the country my question is… if she apply for the EAD..will she wait 150 days either to have her own work permit….
thank you so much
First, she has to be added to your case as a dependent (she could only have been a dependent in the original case if she was in the US at the time you filed, and you submitted documents for her – such as a copy of her passport, marriage certificate, and page 9 of the I-589 form signed by her – at the time of filing). Contact the asylum office to ask about that. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Once she is added to the case, she can file for the EAD on the same schedule as you. Take care, Jason
Regards Jason, my mother is a dependant to my case and I wished to apply for her EAD at the same time i will be applying mine.Can that be possible and if so what’s the procedure to be followed????And if no what can I do.thank you
I guess I do not know what you mean. A person’s mother cannot be a dependent on an asylum case. Only a spouse or minor, unmarried child can be a dependent. But if she has her own asylum case, and 150 days have passed, she can file for an EAD using form I-765, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hey Jason I lost my my receipt copy that verifies that the immigration received my case and yet It I requestedbefore applying for an EAD.Is there any chances of obtaining one Please and if so what can I do to get one???Thanks much
You might contact the asylum office to see whether they can help. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Otherwise, you can file a Freedom of Information Act request, form G-639, available at http://www.uscis.govhttp://www.uscis.gov, to get a copy of your entire file, including receipts. The only problem is that this will take several months. Take care, Jason
Good morning sir, my EAD is about to expire I have been trying to get my attorney to file a renewal but he is not taking me serious always responding that he will call me later, so I want to know if I can file it myself and send it to USCIS or what can I do to get it filed correctly and on time. Thank you for your help
You can file it yourself (form I-765, available at http://www.uscis.gov), and if your lawyer is not helping you, you should find a new lawyer. Take care, Jason
Hey Jason I lost my my receipt copy that verifies that the immigration received my case and yet It I requestedbefore applying for an EAD.Is there any chances of obtaining one Please and if so what can I do to get one???Thanks much
You might contact the asylum office to see whether they can help. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Otherwise, you can file a Freedom of Information Act request, form G-639, available at http://www.uscis.gov, to get a copy of your entire file, including receipts. The only problem is that this will take several months. Take care, Jason
Thank you very much for your response, it’s highly helpful. May God continue to bless you
Hello Jason,
I am just aware that asyl uh m policy has changed. I went to the uscis yo check schedule but there is none. It also stated that they have changed the priority of processing asylum cases. So my question is how do I know when I will be scheduled? Will they write me or I have to call and schedule myself.
I also need a good lawyer. Where can I find one? Do you have an idea of lawyer fees? I have been missing very good job opportunities because they require greencard. Thank you.
You cannot know the schedule any more (though maybe if you communicate with other asylum seekers, they can tell you). You can try to expedite the case – I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. As for lawyer fees, I wrote about that on March 2, 2016. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I applied for asylum in Jan 2017 and got my EAD in August 2017, i also applied for J1 wavier in Jan 2017 but still didn’t received any information, can u please tell me how much time it will take to get J1 wavier ?
I do not know how long a J-1 waiver takes – I think it varies a lot depending on the facts of the case. You can contact USCIS and ask about the waiver case – you can find their phone number at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hello, I applied for asylum In Nov 2017 with my 2 dependant children. After 150 days I applied for EAD. On May 8, 2018, I got d EADs for my dependants, but didn’t get mine. My case status still remains as case received. Is it normal for USCIS to process dependants’ EAD without d Principal applicant. Really confused. I need your advice sir
It is normal for different family members to receive their EADs on different dates. However, you have been waiting a lot longer than your dependents. I recommend you call USCIS to inquire – you can find the phone number at http://www.uscis.gov. You can also try to go in person to ask – there is a link at right for an INFO PASS appointment. Take care, Jason
I got married and my case has been “ready to be schedule for interview since Jan 28, this year.. when likely should I be expecting my imterview?
I don’t understand what you mean – who told you that the case was ready to be scheduled for an interview? The asylum case? The marriage case? If this was an expedite request, the Asylum Office tells you that they will schedule your case, but it can take months to actually get the case scheduled. There is no way to predict the time frame, but I think the longest we waited was about 6 months – in Houston. Take care, Jason
Hi there,
I need to understand somethings in the new policy for asylum.
I filed at November and I got a receipt from USCIS and I did my finger print at in November. Have waited for over 180days. So my question is I filed for work permit at April [ead] will I go for interview to get my work permit, or it will be send to me,
Thanks
There should be no interview – they should just send it to you. Take care, Jason
Hi there. I really have a big problem. I applied for asylum, received confirmation, did fingerprint but after I reached my 150days, I applied for my EAD and it’s been two months now and I haven’t received any confirmation of receipt. I just want to find out the list of documents I needed to send. May be I didn’t send all or I’m doing something wrong. Please help me
I can’t help with specifics for forms, as I do not know your case. If you have not received a receipt, maybe you mailed the application to the wrong address. You could try re-sending everything, but check the instructions for the I-765 (available at http://www.uscis.gov) for the address and the documents you need to send. You might also consult with a lawyer for help. Take care, Jason
I did my fingerprint since last year September 2017 and am yet to receive letter
Hi Jason I got an interview for my aslylum case next month, so can I apply for an EAD after the interview
The interview is not relevant. You have to wait 150 days after your asylum application was received (assuming you do not cause any delay, by – for example – rescheduling the interview) and then you can file for an EAD. If you win the case, you get an EAD at that time. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason thanks for answering our questions. I have this question i am an F1 student applied for asylum but still waiting foe my permit but so far i have not been able to go to school. So can i enroll in school using my work permit ?
You have to talk to the school to be sure, but most schools seem to allow people to enroll if they have a work permit. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, thanks for your kind assistance. I have received my EAD approval notice today for initial pending asylum from Texas service center. Time line : application received on 3/22/18. New card is being ordered for production on 4/18/18 on my online status Today (4/22/18) I received approval notice in my mailbox but the online status still remain unchanged. I hope it wouldn’t take that long before I finally have my card in hand?
Hopefully it will be a few days or a week. Let us know. Thank you, Jason
Ok I will . Thank you
I have contacted USCIS for my tracking number today and sure enough they gave it to me. I checked it on USPS website and it indicated that the card has being picked up at the regional facility and should be delivered to me by 8pm tomorrow , 4/25/2018. Good luck to others too.
I got approval notice for my EAD that depends on pending asylum.I hope my EAD is coming.
When I my EAD, will I get the SSN at the same time,I applied it?
If you applied for the SSN on the form I-765 (the EAD form), you should get the SS card in the mail, though I think it comes separately from the EAD. Take care, Jason
I answered Yes to Q10,11and filled Q12,13 on the form I-765.Does it mean I applied for SSN together? If it is not,I have to go to SS office when I get my EAD card. Thank you Jason:)
I can’t answer specific questions about forms, but if those are the questions about the SSN, and you asked for the SS card, they should send it to you and you should not need to go to the SS office. Take care, Jason
Dear Mr. Jason. Thanks in advance for your time. My asylum application is pending since January 2nd,2018 and we did the finger printing later on January 24th. 1.When can I apply for the EAD?
Also, I am the main applicant with my husband and 6 year old boy as dependants,
2.will my son need to attend the asylum interview?
I have birth to a baby boy on 3/2/18,
3.should I take him too to the interview or should I leave him with a friend?
We applied on our own “without asylum attorney”
4. do you recommend hiring an attorney?
We tried to hire one but he didn’t accept because we did everything and we just waiting for the interview! Also please
5. how can we find a translator?
Sorry for this long post. We are really grateful to you sir. Thanks
1 – 150 days after the asylum application was received. If you apply earlier, USCIS will likely reject it. 2 – If he is a dependent on the case, he must; if he is a US citizen, he does not need to. 3 – If he is not seeking asylum as part of your case, you can leave him home. 4 – I wrote about that on July 7, 2016. 5 – Probably you just have to search on the internet or ask around in your community. There is no “official” translator for the asylum office; you just need someone fluent in both languages who you trust. Take care, Jason
Thanks Mr. Jason for your reply
Am an asylum seeker i applied in my case by 12/27/2017, in January 20118,I received a receipt from the immigration and also went for figure printing.But since then I havenot received any response from them.Am I eligible for applying for a work permit as of now???or I should keep waiting please….
The receipt tells you the date that your asylum application was received. You can apply for a work permit 150 days after the date on the receipt. Do not mail it earlier, or USCIS will likely reject it. Take care, Jason
Thanks Jason for the reply…..I guess I still have some more time….
Hey Jason, do i need to apply my work permit application with the originals of the receipt and biometric notices or duplicates,Thanks
We always send copies. They should not need originals (except for the I-765, the passport-sized photos, and the check). Take care, Jason
Good afternoon!!
I would like some information, please.
I and my wife are asylum seekers, we already have EAD and social security card, we have a 9 year old son that is included in my asylum process, we went to social security yesterday to try to make a social card for my 9 year old son , they told me that I need to request an immigration document stating that my son is legal in the country … I just do not understand, since I and my wife already have the social security card namber, because the difficulty to apply a card for a child 9 years under our tutelage … Anyway, what kind of document should I ask for immigration in the case of our child? Thank you!
You can apply for the EAD for your son, just like you did for yourselves. The new I-765 card allows you to also request an SS card. He probably does not need a job, but many children do get an EAD in order to have an SSN (so probably he would not pay money to renew the EAD, since he really does not need it). Take care, Jason
Hi Janson, thanks for your kindness. Well I applied for initial EAD based on pending asylum at San Francisco office on 22 March 2018 but I got a receipt notice today from Texas service center instead. Does it mean that my entire asylum case is been transferred from San Francisco to Texas or its only my EAD that is affected? Also do you know the average processing time for initial EAD based on pending asasylum at Texas service center? Thanks
EADs and asylum cases are processed in different places, so probably your asylum case is in SF and your EAD was filed in Texas. As for the processing time, it seems to vary between 1 and 4 months. Many first-time EADs are closer to 1 months than 4, so hopefully that will be you. Take care, Jason
Thanks a million for the information. I appreciate it. God bless you
Thanks alit for your help in advance sir.
Hi. My bf in the states has been summoned to court as an asylum seeker. He already has a EAD and work permit. What could this court case be about? He has no lawyer and will be representing himself. Should he be worried?
His asylum case was probably denied by the asylum office. He should try to find a lawyer. I wrote about the court process on March 7, 2018. Take care, Jason
Hi,
My wife applied for Asylum and I am included in her application as a spouse, we received the receipt on Nov 21, 2017.
We got separated and I filed my own asylum application, on Feb 12, 2018 till now I did not get any receipt
What is the issue?
Will I be able to apply for EAD through my wife’s application and if I file before the 150 days will it get denied?
Thanks
NHMO
If you were a dependent on her case, you probably needed to file your case directly with the local asylum office. Contact them and ask them whether they received it and what the procedure is for you. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
would you explain the following:
On April 21, 2018, we updated your name for your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, Receipt Number SRC————. If you move, go to http://www.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.
my 150 day clock finished on April 21st
Thanks
It sounds like your case is processing. I do not see anything out of the ordinary. Take care, Jason
Hello everyone,
I applied for asylum on 10/13/2017 and my case is still pending. After the 150 days, I choose to apply for an employment authorization document and I will like to know if I have to apply for my 4 years old daughter included in my case so that she can be able to get a SSN.
Thank you in advance for your help.
You can apply for her. Since the first EAD is free, many people do apply for their children in order to get the SSN and an ID card. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason and everyone hope you good.
Please can you or someone tell me exactly which address should I use to send my EAD application? I’m in NJ.
it’s Dallas, TX 75265?
Thanks
You can find it in the instructions to the I-765, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Make sure you check the category you are filing under (for example, asylum application pending) to find the address. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
My attorney lawyer applied for my work card December 2017, notice of receipt sent january( according to him). When do I get my work permit? What is the estimated time you think I will get the permit?
Thanks in anticipation
It seems to vary between 1 and 4 months for most people. If you are worried about the receipt, you can ask the lawyer for a copy. You should also get a copy at your house. If you did not, make sure your address is correct – if USCIS sent the receipt to the wrong address, they will also send your card to the wrong address, and you will not get it. It can be difficult and time-consuming to get a new one if that happens. Take care, Jason
I applied for EAD Dec,2017 till now march 17th 2018,i have not received alknowlegment from them no any response.what can i do?.
did you get your ? receipt?
if you get your receipt, there is a section ________ tells your receipt number.
then next go to uscis website and singup you will see every thing there.
You might try calling USCIS – the phone number can be found at http://www.uscis.gov. If they have no record of the application, you probably will need to file again. Make sure that the address is correct. Also, in the cover letter when you file, you can indicate that you previously filed, but that you never heard back. Finally, if you paid for this EAD, you can check with your bank to see if the check was cashed. If so, you can get a copy of the check from the bank, and your USCIS receipt number should be on the back of the check. Take care, Jason
Thanks so much for response is encouraging.
Hello, Jason. I already have asylum status. I want to adjust my status and send documents in March,2018.My EAD card expires in December,2018. Can I still send I-765 form together with other documents or I should wait and send it separately 4 months before expiration of EAD card. Also, please, let me know should I pay fee or its free in my case? Thank you in advance.
If you renew the EAD based on asylum, you have to pay, but you get the automatic extension of the old EAD (I wrote about that on January 25, 2017). If you pay for the GC (form I-485), included in the price, you can get a new EAD, which is based on the pending GC. So you would save the additional fee, but you would not get the automatic extension. I think you have enough time if you file in March that you can get the EAD based on the pending GC before your old EAD expires. In that way, you would not have to pay the fee to renew the old EAD (based on asylum granted). Take care, Jason
Thank you Jason for your complete information. I just have 2 more questions:1) will I need EAD after I get permanent resident card?.2) will I need travel document to travel to different countries after I get permanent resident card.?
1 – The LPR card allows you to work, so you do not need an EAD. 2 – You can re-enter the US with an LPR card (though there are restrictions on how long you can remain outside the US and still return), and you cannot use the LPR card in lieu of a passport. If you have a Refugee Travel Document, you can use that like a passport, though not all countries recognize it. Take care, Jason
Hello.I came to US at May 2017 with B2 visa.I applied my asylum case at October and I was waiting for my fingerprint appointment.But nothing, I called to asylum office at February 26.They told me they already sent since November and they told me they will send it again.I got it at March 9 and the fingerprint appointment is at March 20.Can I get my workpermit after fingerprint? Let me know how long I have to wait? I found this page few days ago and its helpful.Thank you Jason.
Normally, you can file for the work permit 150 days after you file the asylum case. I do not think the snafu with the work permit will affect that, so you can probably apply within the normal time frame. Take care, Jason
Hi,
I am an f1 student, and came to usa in 2014. Now I am filing asylum case, So do I need to still maintain my f1 status by studying in any college or can I be out of status.Because I dont want to continue my college after filing the case as it is my second masters.
Thanks,
Pranay
That is up to you. You cannot file for your work permit until 150 days after you file for asylum, and it takes 1 to 4 months to get it. You might want to consider that when deciding when/if to withdraw from school. Take care, Jason
hi there
I applied for work permit last 20 Feb 2018 but still, now I didn’t get any receipt ??now in this situation how long take to get a work permit?
Probably it is too soon to worry, but if you don’t get the receipt in another week or so, it may mean that something is wrong. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason
Please can I use a work permit to write the pharmacist technician board exam and be certified and also work as one?
I have seen clients take licensing exams without any permanent status here, so maybe, but I do not specifically know. You would have to contact the board to ask. Take care, Jason
What is the take away from the last update on last in first put. Is it bad for who applied early 2017? Is it a risk for who wants to apply soon?
Many thanks.
I wrote about that on February 1, 2018. It is too soon to know how it will work, and we will have to wait and see whether it makes cases like yours faster or slower. We just don’t know yet. Take care, Jason
Hello good Morning!
And guaranteeing to change the address that is filed at the USCIS? I would like to move to another state and I am afraid there will be more delay in my case if I change my address, what do you think? Thank you
To change the address, use form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. This may cause some delay, but it should not be much. You can contact the asylum office and ask about this, if you are concerned. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
I am an asylum seeker, applied last year, and currently hold an EAD based on my asylum application… I came to the US with a b1/b2 visa… can an employer file a GC petition (i-140) on my behalf? If the application is approved by USCIS, can I adjust status inside the US?
Thank you for the information!
It sounds like you would probably need to leave the US to get a GC based on employment, since your B visa is expired already. That may or may not be possible, depending on the case. You would need to have a lawyer review the case to see whether you might be able to do this. Take care, Jason
Thank you for your response…
My B1/B2 visa expires in 2022… my entry permit (i-94) did expire last year by April…
Which of those two are you referring to?
The I-94 determines how long you can remain here lawfully. That is what I was referring to. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Your resource has always provided me helpful tips.
Do you think it is a good idea to keep sending the regional office recent news and updates as print outs regarding the current bad law and order conditions and political affairs back home?
Does that influence the timing of final interview or will it assist my case with pro active news sources as reference such as BBC and CNN.
Thanks in advance and your advice is much appreciated.
Cordially,
Atif.
If you have not yet been interviewed, I think it is best to save all your evidence and submit it at one time prior to the interview (and in accordance with the rules of your local office). I do think that general country condition info is not particularly useful for a case – you need to submit some, but unless it pertains to you directly, I do not think it helps to overwhelm them with general information. If you have already been interviewed, I would not submit country condition info unless it specifically is about you or your situation. But that is up to you, and some lawyer may have a different opinion about this than me. Take care, Jason
Hey Jason,
I am an asylum seeker with pending status. I do have an EAD card issued for me through OPT. I have been waiting for 150 days to apply for a renewal, but my existing EAD doesn’t expire until June. I guess my question is that can I apply for jobs (outside my field of study) as an asylum seeker using my current OPT or do I have to wait to renew my EAD card after 150 days?
I do not know whether you are technically allowed to work on the OPT EAD outside your area, but people do it frequently. For practical purposes, it probably would not affect your asylum case, since that is already pending. If you plan to try to switch to another immigration status, such as H1b, you might not be able to do that unless you properly maintain the OPT EAD. Take care, Jason
Hello everyone,
Guess what???? I got my work permit yeeee. Ok so detsils to help you all out:
I applied for my work permit based on pending asylum application on december the 16, 2017.
I got a notice of confirmation regarding my work permit application on January 01,2018.
I got my second letter of approval on febuary 9,2018.
I got my ead card on febuary 10,2018.
My work permit was through taxes dallas. It was very quick the whole process that i cant even believe. I hope this time frame regarding my ead application process help you out.
Thanks,
Sana
Congratulations Joni,did apply for your ssn all together and have you gotten it.
Tkcare
I have a SSN already, accutally i worked for a year when i was in college before. Thats how i already got my SSN befoee applying for Asylum.
This is the first time i applied for EAD based on my asylum pending application.
Thanks,
Sana
Congratulations!!! That was good. I got my EAD too. But it took me holly 6 MONTH! I believe you guys will get it soon whoever still waiting. I know it’s so hard to wait without estimate time. Good thing is- just “KEEP CALM AND WAIT” that’s the bottom point!
Filed on August 1st
Received EAD on 30rd of January
Texas office
Sam,
Me too, I applied o n July 17 & I got my EAD on January 20th it’s too late. But it’s ok. Now I have my EAD for 2 years.
Was this a first time EAD or a renewal?
Was this a first time EAD or a renewal?
This is my 3rd time renewal Mr Dzubow.
Renewals seem to be much slower than first time applications – we have been seeing this pattern. Thank you, Jason
That’s great – Thank you for sharing the timeline, Jason
Hi J,
Me too got my EAD last week. Applied for 1st time renewal in June 2017 but got it for 2 years.
Glad they renewed the date from when they issued it and not when I applied for it. That way 2 years start from Jan 18 to Jan 2020, which is a good thing.
I got my case received in March 2016. Any idea when should I expect my interview call? I am in NY. I think it can be before my 2020 EAD/ID expires. What do you predict.
Also I was able to receive the interim ID of six month extension before I got the 2020 one. DMV was very unhelpful, but I forced them to verify the extension on their system. And they were able to- upon which they did issue the ID that expires next month.
Thanks to your site- it has been a valuable resource to maneuver all these procedures and processing timelines.
Warm regards, Atif.
There is no way to predict when the interview will be under the new system. We well just have to see how things are moving over the coming months. Take care, Jason
wow, sana that’s good for you. I just applied actually I think my attorney he applied on 1 March 2018, because I went his office on 21 Feb whatever I don’t have any idea why the delay 9 days. but I got my receipt on 6 March 2018, my USCIS office in Texas to let’s see how long they take to send my work permit.
I submitted an application for asylum that is still pending. I received a work permit and for the past year, I have been working.
I know that I have to file a tax report. Can I expect to receive some tax return, please?
Thank you
I have no idea – you need to talk to a tax professional. Take care, Jason
Good afternoon!!
Thank God, my EAD has arrived !!!!
Friend, is there any way I can request social security for my 9-year-old son? He is also included in my asylum process. Thank you for all your information, God bless you !!
You could apply for an EAD for him. Otherwise, maybe look at the social security website or ask his school – maybe there is a way to get an SSN without the EAD, but I think he will need the EAD. Take care, Jason
Hi there
I write down my i-589 at 3rd of January 2018 after one month I do my finger point and now I have an interview this month 24th the question is
The interview will take one year or two year why I have mine after 4 month of Appling??
And can got the work permit after 180 days I mean can i apply for it even with the interview??
That is the new policy. I wrote about it on February 1, 2018. You can still apply for the work permit 150 days after your asylum case was received, unless you cause a delay by (for example) postponing your interview. Take care, Jason