Hello all,
I have a complicated (?) situation, and some questions related to it.
I filed for I-485/EAD/AP in January 02 in Vermont SC (case #EAC02-088-5xxxx), through my PREVIOUS employer. Got the AP late Jan, EAD early Feb 02, fingerprinted Mar 14, but still waiting for action/approval on 485. Obviously, EAD's are only good for one year, mine is expiring on 01/28/03. Labor Cert was approved in August 2001. I am also on H1 thru this employer - it expires 03/31/03, and I have had that visa extended once, and changed from original employer which was taken over by this employer, and have had it since January 1996.
Said previous employer laid me off as soon as I got my EAD, saying I could now work for anyone. I found a new employer in May 02, within the 180-day period pendency of 485 (I had to work!! house doesn't pay for itself!) I am still in the same job, knock on wood!
I also got married to a US Citizen in December 01 (I had known and been in love with her for over 4 years). As my job was in jeopardy shortly thereafter, I applied for GC based on marriage at my local INS office (Dallas), in April 02. Have received EAD for that which is good until 07/25/03, and am doing fingerprints on 01/22/03. I basically applied for this GC as a "safety net" in case the employment-based one gets denied because of change of employer (I am still doing the same kind of work).
I think that covers my situation...... now the questions......
1. do i need to renew the EAD from Vermont, or does the second one cover me? If I don't renew it, does it jeopardise the 485 there? If I do renew it, can I do it on my own, i.e. without an attorney and without contacting previous employer? (Just fill out I765 and send in fee/photo(s)/docs)
2. what about the H1-B? is that relevant any more now I am in 485 pendency? How would I extend it if I have to, now I am no longer with the employer who sponsored it? Current employer does not sponsor H1s.
3. Anyone have any experience with how long Dallas INS takes? Seems like they are right on the money with processing times displayed at immigration.com.
4. If the employment based GC application (at VSC) is denied or lapses, am I still covered by the marriage-based one (in Dallas)?
I would very much appreciate some answers and/or comments on this situation.... if I have left anything out regarding my current situation, let me know....... As you can imagine, both my wife and I are pretty frustrated with the whole process and situation in general, and just want it to be over with!!
Sorry this was such a long post.... hope you all are still awake...
Thanks,
pilgrim22
I have a complicated (?) situation, and some questions related to it.
I filed for I-485/EAD/AP in January 02 in Vermont SC (case #EAC02-088-5xxxx), through my PREVIOUS employer. Got the AP late Jan, EAD early Feb 02, fingerprinted Mar 14, but still waiting for action/approval on 485. Obviously, EAD's are only good for one year, mine is expiring on 01/28/03. Labor Cert was approved in August 2001. I am also on H1 thru this employer - it expires 03/31/03, and I have had that visa extended once, and changed from original employer which was taken over by this employer, and have had it since January 1996.
Said previous employer laid me off as soon as I got my EAD, saying I could now work for anyone. I found a new employer in May 02, within the 180-day period pendency of 485 (I had to work!! house doesn't pay for itself!) I am still in the same job, knock on wood!
I also got married to a US Citizen in December 01 (I had known and been in love with her for over 4 years). As my job was in jeopardy shortly thereafter, I applied for GC based on marriage at my local INS office (Dallas), in April 02. Have received EAD for that which is good until 07/25/03, and am doing fingerprints on 01/22/03. I basically applied for this GC as a "safety net" in case the employment-based one gets denied because of change of employer (I am still doing the same kind of work).
I think that covers my situation...... now the questions......
1. do i need to renew the EAD from Vermont, or does the second one cover me? If I don't renew it, does it jeopardise the 485 there? If I do renew it, can I do it on my own, i.e. without an attorney and without contacting previous employer? (Just fill out I765 and send in fee/photo(s)/docs)
2. what about the H1-B? is that relevant any more now I am in 485 pendency? How would I extend it if I have to, now I am no longer with the employer who sponsored it? Current employer does not sponsor H1s.
3. Anyone have any experience with how long Dallas INS takes? Seems like they are right on the money with processing times displayed at immigration.com.
4. If the employment based GC application (at VSC) is denied or lapses, am I still covered by the marriage-based one (in Dallas)?
I would very much appreciate some answers and/or comments on this situation.... if I have left anything out regarding my current situation, let me know....... As you can imagine, both my wife and I are pretty frustrated with the whole process and situation in general, and just want it to be over with!!
Sorry this was such a long post.... hope you all are still awake...
Thanks,
pilgrim22