Renewing EAD via E-filing (GC pending)

steveva2001

Registered Users (C)
I just thought I'd let you all know about my experiences with the E-filing process for an I-765 EAD application. With so much bad or depressing news surrounding the immigration process, this might give you all some encouragement.

My GC is pending, but I had to renew my EAD. I used the online e-filing forms at the uscis.gov website (all very straighforward, but STILL read the 765 instructions). I paid my $175 using my debit card, then the system gave me two things to do:

1. I had to call a USCIS 800 number to make an appt. at the local Application Support Center. I got an appt. at the ASC in Alexandria, VA the very next day. I was in and out in about 10 minutes (it was a light day).

2. I had to mail supporting documentation to USCIS. What you have to send depends on what you're filing and your current status. In my case, a copy of my current EAD with a couple of other things.

You get a generated copy of the application and a coversheet that shows your receipt #. Make sure you make more than a couple of copies. I had to take one to the ASC which was duly stamped and signed with a 'biometrics' stamp.

This is actually the second time I've used this service and it's been a positive experience both times. Last time it took about 5 month to get the card in the mail (yep they mail it to you - you don't have to go pick it up), this time I hear that the processing times have gotten shorter.

It's worth noting that the processing of your application is forwarded to your local office (or at least where you filed your I-485/ I-130). At least thats what happened to mine, so when you check the processing times on the uscis website, check your office's times, and not the national centers...

disclaimer... your mileage may vary :)
 
Update

...and amazingly enough, I got my renewal EAD today (it's dated the 19th)... so thats a renewal EAD in less than 2 months... and it sure as hell beats having to go to the district office to pick it up...
 
EAD Extension

I filed an EAD extension dated Jun 08 2004 and its still pending. The EAD ran out Sep 2004. I dont use my EAD, i use my H1B.

But, since it does take so long and i presume extensions are given on a yearly basis, should i apply for 1 more extension or just wait? Rather the question are EAD extensions given out from the date they are approved (or) the date the EAD runs out?

Thanks in advance.
 
sheerfun said:
I filed an EAD extension dated Jun 08 2004 and its still pending. The EAD ran out Sep 2004. I dont use my EAD, i use my H1B.

But, since it does take so long and i presume extensions are given on a yearly basis, should i apply for 1 more extension or just wait? Rather the question are EAD extensions given out from the date they are approved (or) the date the EAD runs out?

Thanks in advance.


Well my previous EAD wasn't going to run out until May 2005, but because I knew last year that it took closer to 5 months to get it even with e-filing, i filed in plenty of time... so imagine my surprise when it showed up yesterday... so Ive lost a couple of months overall, but with any luck my GC might actually show up this year :)
 
BioMetrics

Thanks. So looks like extensions are based on date of approval.

Do you have to schedule ASC biometrics appointment for every single EAD extension? I think thats what i failed to do. Since i had done FP/Biometrics twice before once on I-485 notice and I-485 interview i did not do Biometrics for EAD extension.
 
sheerfun said:
Thanks. So looks like extensions are based on date of approval.

Do you have to schedule ASC biometrics appointment for every single EAD extension? I think thats what i failed to do. Since i had done FP/Biometrics twice before once on I-485 notice and I-485 interview i did not do Biometrics for EAD extension.


With e-filing, you do have to visit a processing center for photo and fingerprinting for each EAD. Once you e-file it, the system then tells you to call a 1800 number to make an appointment (in my case, Alexandria, VA - I got one for the next day).
 
steveva2001 said:
With e-filing, you do have to visit a processing center for photo and fingerprinting for each EAD. Once you e-file it, the system then tells you to call a 1800 number to make an appointment (in my case, Alexandria, VA - I got one for the next day).


Actually no. I applied for the first one when I filed my I-485, and my lawyer did that using the more usual means...
 
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