iEAD experience at Newark

[nanas]

Me and wife waiting in line since 5:30AM.

Office took us in the building at 8AM, checked the documents (I-765 receipts and Passport) at the enterance.

After security check were sent to Room 200 on 2nd floor. The Lady at the counter asked for I-765 receipts. Since my wife didn't have I-765 receipts (lost in mail) we gave her the Case status printout for my wife and I-765 receipt for me. She verified the validity of details on her computer and asked us to fill out I-765 forms. After 15 min wait she handed us documents to be taken on 13th floor Room 1300.

After 1 Hr wait in Room 1300 we were called and our existing EAD cards were taken, Passports verified and they asked us to go in another room for pitcures taken for iEAD.

After pictures taken got iEADs for both, for 6 months.

Excepting the long wait outside in cold, preety smooth.
We were out with iEADs at noon.

 

[Lemmi]

Hi,
Where did you apply before and when?

I applied in Vermont via my attorney and the it was finally sent out in December.
The receipt date is 1/7/2004.
My 1st EAD card expired on 2/13/04 Friday 13th
The whole process was initiated in November to allow enough time for processing.
My company was acquired last year and the transfer from our human recourse department to the new company took a while.
This is the reason why the official document was sent out in late December 2003.

Until now, I did not had any experience with renewing EAD card, because I had an L1 which expired and could not be renewed after 7 years. This is the reason why I applied for a Green Card in 2002.

Anyway: My company sent a letter of appeal to Vermont to explain why it is essential that I have to continue working, because of my knowledge of the company and that there is nobody who can replace me.

I was hopping that I would get a resolution before my EAD card expired.
On 2/13/2004 I went to the local district office in Newark and waited 7 hours until I was able to explain my situation. I spoke to 3 persons including the supervisor,
I explained the situation and that the late filling was due to the transfer of HR info and that I basically slip through the cracks.
I was very nervous, because not only my professional live is on the line, but it also has a huge impact on family ( 3kids mortgage, etc) with no income for the next 9 weeks.
I was told, that I am not alone and should come back after 90 days.

At the same time I am also not allowed to travel, because my AP is pending too.
How is one supposed to support his family? I have a good job but I am not allowed to work.
I do not want to cut corners, but I had an honest reason, why I am in this situation and was hopping for some help.
The way I was treated at this day was very sad . I guess one can only understand this, if you are living in a foreign country and trying to deal with immigration issues.

I am glad that you had a better experience.