EAD Question

[NS_IL]

My 485 has been pending for a year now. I have an EAD which I have not used so far and is expiring next month. I have applied for renewal only one month before it is due to expire. I know it takes about 2-3 months for approval of the renewal.

The question I have is this:
Since I am still on H1, do I have to switch to EAD before I think about switching jobs using AC21. The reason I may have to switch is because there is a possiblity I may be laid off. Or can I still be on H1 until I get laid off and then use AC21 and move to a new job using EAD?

I am just hoping that I may not get laid off until my renewal is approved. But if happens before, I am really not sure what my options are.

Any expert advice will be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[jaxen]

you can still be on H1 until you get laid off and then use AC21 and move to a new job using EAD.
If you are laid off, all you need to do is hold tight until EAD is approved and then find a new job later.

 

[NS_IL]

Follow-up

Thanks Jaxen!! That was really helpful.

I just had a follow-up though. From your reply, I gather that I will not have a problem even if I sit at home doing nothing until my EAD renewal is approved. When I mean a problem, I am referring during the time of approval of my 485.