If you have your EAD or are eligible, she can apply now. Maybe by the time they process her case, things will be open for biometrics (and if she already had a biometric appointment in association with the asylum case, maybe they can use those). If not, I am not sure how they will process her case, but my guess is that it would be delayed until they are able to do the biomtrics. Take care, Jason

Update:

Just like you said I had to call 5 times and send 2 faxes in order to get my wife added to my case.

The next question is can I apply for work permit for my wife without the biometrics as USCIS is not taking fingerprint nowadays?

I wrote something about this earlier today, but in that situation, I would think that you are not eligible for the payment. Take care, Jason

So i guess if I only have asylum pending now … aand haven’t yet received my EAD…won’t bee eligible… 🙁

I was not really referring to educating the immigration lawyers, who presumably are familiar with work permits. I was thinking of the employers, who often do not understand immigration matters (though usually big companies that hire immigrants should be pretty well versed in this). My thinking is that if the firm wants to hire you, and you have a valid EAD, they should be able to do so, unless there is a security clearance issue. And if the company wants to hire you, it is their lawyers job to find a way for them to do that legally. Take care, Jason

It is still unclear to me where different groups, such as people with pending asylum cases, stand in terms of the stimulus payment. People with a GC should be eligible. People with no lawful status and no EAD will not be eligible. I will try to post about this subject when I know more. Take care, Jason

Hi Jason,

I just re-read ur answer and want to…just clarify one aspect…do I really have to … educate ? lawyers ? I am not sure how familiar you are with BAL or Fragomen…seems most big techs use them…so…for me it’s not even safe to assume lawyers from them will know about C8/A5 ? (They are usually touted as experts of immigration matters, which is why big techs use them ? … ) … because for me, challenging company’s authorized law firm is like challenging my manager… Tho I deeply understand that the law firm’s clients are the company…not me…they will only act on behalf of the interest of the company, which may include advising damaging comment about my work authorization…

Maybe I made an error – most colleges and universities will allow someone to enroll with a valid EAD. Some schools may not. Also, some schools may accept you even if you do not have an EAD. You have to check with the specific school. Take care, Jason

I have valid EAD. When you say “I think most accredited schools will not accept you (but some may).” is it valid in case of if i don’t have valid EAD?