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How long does it take for USCIS to issue an EAD (work authorization card)?

In the past year, the processing times for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) have become quite long. A recent stakeholder call with the Ombudsman for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sheds some light on how bad the situation has become.

When our clients apply for adjustment of status, we simultaneously apply for a temporary EAD. The temporary EAD gives our client the ability to work while the green card case is processed.

Using data collected in November 2017, USCIS reports that there are 625,000 EAD cases backlogged in the system. Of those, approximately half are for applicants with adjustment of status cases. The actual number currently backlogged is probably even higher at this point.

Different EAD applications are getting processed at different speeds. (It is not clear what would govern whether a particular case is processed fast are slow). USCIS reports the following breakdown:

  • Under 75 days – 43%.
  • 76-90 days – 5%.
  • 90-120 days – 10%.
  • 121-160 days – 12%.
  • 160-180 days – 5%.
  • Over 180 days – 24%.

There is thus something of an inverted bell curve. with these processing times. Roughly half of EADs are getting approved within three months, which is roughly the average in recent years. But another quarter of applications are taking at least six months or longer to get approved.

USCIS reports that the online case status for an EAD application should be updated the same day that an approval issues. Once the application is approved, there is a 48-hour hold before USCIS will begin producing the physical EAD card that is shipped to the applicant. Production is finalized within 96 hours. That means that the card should go out to the applicant within 6 business days of when a case is shown as approved via the online case system.

What can you do if your EAD application is taking too long?

USCIS will not accept a case status complaint until an EAD application (Form I-765) has been pending for over 75 days. After that, you can submit a status request by calling USCIS at 1 (800) 375-5283. USCIS reports that they are designing a new website, for release soon, for submitting those requests.

If you have an offer of employment you may also be able to request an emergency authorization at a local USCIS office. Note that this is a discretionary process, meaning that USCIS is not required to grant such requests. To make such a request you would schedule an appointment at your local office via InfoPass. Applicants should bring the receipt notice for their Form I-765 and – if applicable – Form I-485 application.  They should also bring proof that they have a time-sensitive offer of employment that they wish to accept. Again, note that the USCIS officer will have complete discretion as to whether to approve such a request.

 

2.8/5 - (176 votes)

All Sound Immigration attorneys are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Associations. They practice immigration law exclusively, focusing on helping families start new lives in the United States.

This Post Has 114 Comments

  1. Hello

    My I765 was received on March 22 at Texas/ In how many days can I expect the approval?

      1. Hi Greg,
        I have applied for L2 extension and I 765 concurrently with L1 extension of my husband on 31st Aug 2020. My husband l1 extension approved on 15 sep 2020. I got my biometric appointment on May-5-2021. I am on leave without pay from last 6 months and even my visa has expired. When can I expect to receive my visa extention approval and ead.
        Thank you in advance!

  2. Hi, I am on F-1 visa, I will graduate in December 2020. I applied for AOS and combo card last week. I have a company offer to start work in February. Should I wait for my EAD to come in or should I apply for OPT EAD?

  3. Dear Sir,
    On April 21, 2020 USCIS received my I-765 application according to their website on April 24, 2020 they said they sent me the receipt notice that will give me 180 days extension however I never receive the receipt till this date July 11 2020 and my EAD card expired on June 11, 2020. As of June 12 my employer put me on leave w/out pay and gave me 30 days for me to show them the I-797 or the new EAD card. I Called USCIS so many times to see if I was able to get a copy of this document (I-797 Letter of Action) but all my attempts had failed. As of July 2, 2020 they approved my I-765 and according to them they sent me an approval notice by mail however with the bad experience I had with USCIS sending documents seems like they mislead you all the time. How can I get a copy of the I-797 Letter of Action my time pretty much ran out as of today.

    1. Hi, Roberto:
      You need to call the USCIS 1-800 line and tell them you want an appointment at your local office to get an extension stamp. (Expect to be on the phone for 2-3 hours). The only way to get the I-797 is to file a Freedom of Information Act Request (Form G-639), but that will take months (even though it’s supposed to take 30 days).
      Best,
      Greg

  4. Hi there! How long after getting an approval notice from USCIS will I get a request for my card to be produced and then have the actual card sent out? My petition has been approved since 06/08/2020 and as of today 06/25/2020 it still stands at just approved and nothing on my card.

    1. Did you get your card? I’m in a similar situation. My case was approved on 6/16. But as of now the card is still not in production.

      1. Hi Lee and XWilson – Any update on your EAD card? I’m in a similar situation. I-765 approved on 6/25/2020 but not update since then regarding mailing of EAD card.

        1. I got my EAD card on 7/7. The website didn’t update to “card was mailed to me” until 7/2. Don’t worry! You’ll get it soon.

    2. Did you get your card mailed out? Or you are still waiting?
      For my own form I-765 EAD
      Mine said Cases updated:
      New card Is being produced 06/25/2020.
      Case approved for EAD & AP 06/29/2020 and we sent your approval notice.
      Got my approval notice letter for EAD & AP 07/06/2020
      Please when should I expect the Combo Card? Can anyone share more info please
      Thank you!

      1. Hi,

        I am an applicant of I 765 through my husband that was received by USCIS on June 23. Now I am on H4 visa. I got a job offer on Sept 8 and immediate requested for expedite request with a letter from the company and also through a congress man. On Sept 25 they says on USCIS website that expedite request approved. But until now Jan 15, I have not received any EAD card. Is it usual for an expedited EAD card – waiting for 4 months?

      1. This is my timeline Due to the backlog at NBC
        File Date for GC: 08/14/2019
        Finger print 09/12/2019
        RFE 02/24/2020
        Response to RFE Recieved: 03/27/2020
        Case is ready to be scheduled for An interview: 05/28/2020
        EAD & AP approved and 06/25/2020
        EAD Approval Letter received 06/29/2020
        EAD & AP Card Mailed to me 07/16/2020
        Card was picked up by USPS with tracking 07/17/2020
        Card was delivered at Mailbox 07/20/2020
        Be patience you will get yours soon.
        Good luck!

  5. Hi! My name is Stefan! On may 21 my I-765 was approved, on June 22 they update my case to “cae was update to show fingerprint were taken”. How long did it take for them to mail my ead card?

  6. I applied for the work authorization under category c11 and i got a receipt letter on march 10th 2020. i later got an approval letter on April 28th. from what i read online, the card comes about two weeks after approval but till date nothing yet. thats like 6 weeks of waiting.

      1. Hello. It’s been 2 years since this was posted but I still find it useful. I applied for i485 and long with were the AP and EAD. I had my EAd expedited since I am a health professional. The expedition was before the initial biometrics which was on May 5, 2020. My case was approved on May 11, 2020 and there was no update of card production/order since then. Now, I have a pending job offer in a hospital and I have called uscis about my card and they put in service request for non delivery of card. Until now, there is no response of the service request yet. I have been waiting for my card for 6 weeks now. Is there any way for me to know more whats going on with my card and there was some delays? Thanks.

        1. Hi, Kath ~
          I’m afraid 6 weeks really isn’t that unusual for EAD issuance. (Not that it isn’t annoying, for sure). I’d be worth trying to get help from your local House Representative or Senator’s office. They’ll be motivated to help a healthcare professional get work authorization.
          Best of luck,
          Greg

      2. Good afternoon!
        This question concerns the I-765, Application for Work Authorization. I’m here on an F-1 visa and I just graduated from university last month. I applied for the adjustment of status in February of this year.

        The USCIS has emailed me Forms I-797C, Notice of Action – Receipts, saying that they received the applications I submitted (I-765 was submitted along with the I-485) at the beginning of February. I did biometrics the following month. Since then, there were no updates on the status of the applications and I haven’t received my EAD yet. One potential employer told me that it looks like I’m eligible for employment (I assume after they checked my SSN, which, by the way, explicitly says that it is valid only with DHS Authorization. I got my SSN while studying on an F-1 visa). When I check the case status of my applications on the USCIS website it says the following “We received your case/You do not need to do anything at this time/We will let you know if we need anything else from you as we continue to review your case.”

        Am I eligible to start working now or should I wait for some approval from the USCIS?

        1. Hi, Angie:
          You can, of course, do OPT work subject to those rules if you’re still F-1. But for the 08 category EAD associated with your adjustment application, that has to actually be issued before it can be used.
          Best,
          Greg

  7. Hello, I submitted the renewal for my work permit I-765 on November 18, 2019 and just received the update on April 22, 2020 that the finger prints have been recorded. About how long after that do I receive an approval? I am being asked for the work permit at my job and have been told that I will get fired if I don’t provide the new one.

  8. Dear Sir,

    I applied for EAD (I-485) on Oct 30, 2018 (Nebraska Service Center). No update yet. I have a job offer waiting. When could I expect to get EAD? Anything I could do to rush it. Will contacting Congressman help? If so, may I get a sample email to write to the Congressman.

    Thanks a lot for your time and help.

    Rajiv

  9. Hi there,

    I got this message from USCIS: On January 7, 2019, we ordered your new card for Receipt Number xxx. On January 12, 2019 I got a I-797 notice saying that my case was approved. I’m wondering how long until I get my EAD card?

    Thank you!

  10. Hello,
    It is the first time I apply for the EAD card. My category is (C5). USCIS received my documents in November, but I have a job offer that cannot wait more. Can I request my local USCIS office a temporary stamp or a validation anticipation?
    Thank you in advance for your reply.

      1. It been 110 days since filming based on adjustment of status,no EAD yet ?how long should we wait for ?

        1. Hey Greg sir
          Thanks for the first reply .my question is my case just updated case is ready to be scheduled for interview on May 15,2019 .on March 18 I got a letter of courtesy ,the pink letter saying about my medication vaccination is in complete and want it to bring it to the interview.how Long would it take to get the interview notice and also I haven’t gotten my EAD card after 5 months now .your response would be appreciated

  11. Hi i apply for aos i 465 base on marriage in April 30 2018
    I live in Hayward California did biometric in AUGUST 13 2018 in September 7 my case online change to ready to be scheduled also apply for i 765 with this case got noticed of approve in September 24 2018 two questions why still i didnot recive my ead card and when i get my interview notice ?

    1. Without knowing anything about your case there’s no way for us to know why your EAD wasn’t issued – but you should be glad that your case is getting set for an interview relatively quickly. How quickly the local office is able to calendar your appointment depends on their current office availability. There isn’t any meaningful rule-of-thumb for when your interview will likely be set.

  12. I lives in Alaska, I applied for adjustment of status (Marriage based) on August 6 2018, received receipt notice 2 weeks later. Went for biometrics on September 5, 2018. Scheduled interview Sept. 9, 2018 But I am worried, that sound to be unusual cos it happen too soon. I went for my interview Oct. 23, 2018. After the interview I was told, they can’t make decision right away but will get back to me and I have not gotten any news since then. I have not received any update about my EAD.

    1. Normally a fast interview time doesn’t mean anything by itself. But that could certainly indicate an issue that they have had the case under review for almost two months. But because it progressed so fast, this is more likely just the local office waiting on a background check. Since adjustment cases normally take far longer, it wouldn’t be surprising if all documents haven’t caught up with the file. Still, we would recommend running your situation past a lawyer to see if there’s an identifiable issue. Margaret Stock – or anyone associated with her – is a good option in Alaska.

    2. It’s the same for me I had the approval form faster I failed February 2018 and I had my interview July 2 2018 they didn’t say anything for me like they didn’t say it’s approved than I was waiting for my work permit card so I called them 2 or 3 times they sent it to me on October 2018 but nothing about my green card it’s been almost 11 months and still pending and now I have to renew my work permit and they charge for the fees

  13. Hi.

    I’m waiting for my I-765 based on pending I-485.
    Right now on uscis.gov I have these statuses:
    Form I-485 – Case is Ready to Be Scheduled for An Interview – August 22, 2018
    Form I-765 – Case Was Received – July 18, 2018
    I made my fingerprints on August 18, 2018

    For how long do you think I’ll wait for I-765?
    Also, can you tell me what is the next case statues for I-765 after “Case Was Received”?

    I got a job offer and I don’t know what to do? Is it possible to speed up the process?

    Thank you for your help.

      1. Thank you for your reply.

        And there is no way to speed up the process? And what is the next case statues for I-765 after “Case Was Received” should I wait for?

        1. Unfortunately, the EAD issuance cannot be expedited short of requesting a temporary stamp at an InfoPass appointment. The status online will remain in “Case Was Received” until there is an actionable step such as RFE issuance or moving to the local office for interview scheduling.

  14. Hi,

    I got case received from USCIS on 19th July 2018 and status has been sitting still since then. I got a job offer and the employer won’t issue me official job offer letter as I would need to show up to work as soon as I get it. It is so frustrating and please help me out on this situation.

    1. Hi, Raviteja. You don’t mention what type of case this is. But if it’s an adjustment you can always try asking at an InfoPass appointment for them to stamp a temporary EAD. They will sometimes do this if the EAD hasn’t yet been produced.

      1. Sorry about that. It is i765 status and I am applying for opt and it is my first time. Please let me know my options.

        1. You should contact your state senate to expedite it as humanitarian case. My case was received on August 30th, and after I emailed my state senate my case was approved on the same day.

          1. Thanks Shunsuie,

            As today is federal holiday, unfortunately i wasn’t able to get in touch with them. But, i am going to contact our congressman and see how it goes from there. Thanks for the Help.

          2. Hello Shunsuie,

            Could you please tell me how this works, do i need to write or visit some places, and what’s the best way to go about it?

            Thanks

          3. Hi Shunshuie,

            Congrats. Could you please format of email you wrote to the senator.

            Thanks,

            Rajiv

  15. Hello Soundimmigrantion-

    Thank you for much for taking your time and effort to help us!

    I have OPT based EAD valid until 10/1/2018. I applied the I-485 based EAD in July 2018 with the starting date 10/1/2018. The USCIS received my application on 09/05/2018. I did my biometric on 10/5/2018. I have been working full-time the entire time. After reading this forum, I realize I should not work without valid EAD in hand (Even though I applied for the new card before the old one expired). Can you please advise me what to do at this moment? Would this period of working jeopardize my green card application?

    1. A spouse of a U.S. citizen does not get in trouble for an adjustment application if they have been working without authorization. But if you do not have a valid EAD then you work is indeed unauthorized.

  16. Hi Greg, Great Website! I would like to ask a question and will try to be thorough but not to lengthy.
    I filed for a K1 visa was approved and we married within the 90 days as required. My wife filed her I485, I765, and I131 September 4 and the Notice of Receipt was sent to us dated 9/11/18. She completed biometrics on October 8, 2018.
    As part of the I765, we requested that they issue a Social Security Number with the I765. This was my mistake.
    I found out that my insurance would not cover her until she had a Social Security Number which the SS office would not issue first because they told me “just to let USCIS issue the number”. I then went back to try again and was told I requested it to close to the expiration of the K1 visa (even though we married as required).
    I am curious if you can suggest the best way to get a Social Security Number issued by USCIS before the end of 2018. (The insurance company has agreed to cover claims for her medical through 12/31/18 with out a SSN listed.)

    1. Hi, Timothy. USCIS doesn’t issue Social Security Numbers – only the SSA can. So is the problem that USCIS isn’t forwarding her info to the SSA?

      You should ask your insurer if they will allow use of a Tax Payer Identification Number (TIN), which most will permit and doesn’t require any involvement by USCIS to issue.

  17. Hello,
    I found your site very helpful. God bless you bountifully.

    I filled I-485, I-130 and I-765 respectively for my wife and step daughter.
    On June 4TH 2018 we received USCIS receipt notice and few weeks after Biometrics notification which was done as well.

    A week after biometrics was done, we received notice of addition information concerning affidavit of support. This, was also done and sent back to USCIS.
    July 30th 2018, we receive USCIS receipt notice that the affivadit of support was received and that the case has reopen.

    MY QUESTION:
    1. HOW SOON SHOULD WE EXPECT EAD?
    2. HOW SOON SHOULD WE EXPECT INTERVIEW DATE?
    3. IS IT THRUOGH WE WON’T GET EAD BEFORE INTERVIEW? THIS WAS BASE ON INFORMATION SOME OF OUR FRIENDS TOLD US

    Looking forward to hear from you

    1. Hi, Emmanuel. Thanks for the kudos.

      EAD issuance is all over the place. Many are taking upwards of 6 months. But you should get it well before your adjustment interview, which could be as much as 18 months or more (this is a moving target).

    2. Hi Emamnuel,

      It seems like you and I are on the same boat.
      I applied for my status adjustment on 6/5/18 throughly husband,
      I received the same notices you did and sent everything in,
      And that was it… haven’t heard anything back.
      When I finally called USCIS on 10/5/18 (4 months later) they said to give them up to 6 months before calling about my case.

      My friend applied for her green card last year on 12/15/17
      she got her EAD 4/29/2018 and got her green card interview around 10/15/18 and she received the green card in the mail on 10/29/18.
      it took her almost an entire year.

      I guess the best thing to do at this point is to just wait…

  18. I applied for EAD and SSN
    received date : 06/25/2018
    on 10/02/2018 statues updated to card is being produced
    on 10/09/2018 I got approval letter by mail
    how long it usually take to send my EAD card and SSN?

      1. What I know it tooks 90 days to be produced
        And that’s what hppend ..
        And I get the approved letter by mail which menas the days begin to count from 2nd of october..
        Is it take 60 days more to mail it to me ??

  19. Hey uscis recieved my case july/18 my biometric aug29 since then nothing changed and my status just keep saying case was recieved how long i need to wait i field adjustment of status for k1 vusa

  20. Hi,

    My application was received on July 27th. And I applied to expedite my process twice and I got denied. I requested for an expedite by mentioning the customer service agent that I have a job offer and that I could loose my opportunity if it takes much longer than usual. Is it true that expedite denial could push your application back?
    Also, if I must request congressmen should it be of the state I am in or I can use the help of any congressmen?

    1. “Is it true that expedite denial could push your application back?” Not sure what this means but a request for expedited processing should not delay your application. Nor would it if you contact a congressperson.

    2. Hi Jaya Sri Sunkara,
      I would like to know if you applied for OPT EAD card that got rejected. Please do let me know. Even I applied for my EAD and I haven’t received any status change.

  21. Thanks for all the information. I have almost hit a roadblock. My EAD card (I-765) was returned to USCIS on July 24. I have since raised 2 service requests to resend the card to my new address. It has been almost more than 3 months since the time my EAD was approved (6/30). I have been calling USCIS customer center almost every other day. I recently had my InfoPass appointment, which did not yield much. I have even raised the ombudsman case assistance request (I don’t have high hopes though). I most recently contacted local congress representative. Honestly, I have tried everything under the sun. I just don’t know what more can I do at this point. I am frustrated with this long unending wait. This when I have a job offer and I need to start in the next 2 weeks.

    1. You’re doing exactly what I would recommend. Not much more to add to the above except that you should push the congressional rep (and switch to your senator if you’re not getting good assistance).

      1. Hi Greg, just wanted to let you know that I received my card (EAD) last week. To those who have long waited beyond the normal processing times, I would suggest that they immediately reach out to the respective local congressman/senator. As told earlier, I did everything-contacting congressman/senator, raising ombudsman request, doing infopass, calling customer service regularly, to finally get my card. Both ombudsman and congressman’s office assistance made all the difference. Withing 2 weeks of raising ombudsman request, I received the response from USCIS. All’s well that ends well!!

  22. Hi am still waiting on my ead card this is the 10th month. It’s being awaiting deliver scan at the post office since aug 17

  23. I had applied for H4 EAD and I got the approval notice during April 2018.
    I was advised the call center agent to wait for atleast 90 days.Since there was no sign of the card being produced or mailed, I raised a service request.
    However, 30 days have passed after I still dont have my card.
    What should be my next steps?

  24. Hey everybody, my name is Angel!

    I applied for the I-765 and I-485 benefit on may 2018. They received the case on may 25, 2018. They settled up my biometrics appointment on june 18 but i didn’t received the notice because there was a mistake on my address. By july 2018 I fixed everything and I received all the letters including a new biometrics appointment on the 30th of july. I received my approval notice for the EAD card and advance parole YESTERDAY. But When i go to my profile online, the website hasn’t been updated since July, saying this “Notice Was Returned To USCIS Because The Post Office Could Not Deliver It”. Now that i got the approval notice in my hands, how long it’ll take my EAD card to arrive????

    Thank you very much in advance.

  25. Hello, i applied for I-485 Together with Advance Parole and Employment card in California.
    filed: 06/04/18
    biometrics:06/20/18
    processing finger prints for I-485 07/15/18
    case ready to schedule for interview 07/19/18

    Since then i have not heard anything else or received my EAD card. Sould i keep waiting? i know of few people who got theirs with in 90 days.

  26. USCIS received my I-765 application packet on the 7th June, 2018. I had applied with a friend (who’s receipt number was just one number after mine). However he received his EAD (for OPT) card two weeks ago and mine is still in the ‘received’ state, which worries me, assuming the applications are dealt on a first come first serve basis. I also have a job offer which I had to request to push forward twice due to the above scenario. Is it worthwhile to visit the local office and present my situation to move my case forward?

    I’m a student waiting to get the EAD to start my OPT.
    Thank you

    1. No, OPT EADs are handled at the service center. So if you do anything it should be a customer service request with the main 1-800 number. But I wouldn’t read much into the timing of applications filed around yours. All sorts of meaningless happenstance can cause one application to get approved later than one filed on the same day.

  27. Thank you so much for your helpful information!

    My previous EAD card was Expired Jun30-2018 and applied for new one July5-2018. Wth a JOB offer, Can I request local USCIS office a temporary extension stamp while the old EAD card was expired before applying for a new one? my category is (C5)

  28. Hi Sound Immigration Team,
    Allow me to say Thank you very much for your time and effort in answering all our Queries , honestly you guys are doing a great job by helping folks with their immg Questions .
    I have one quick question…
    i have applied for I-765 and 485 on May 18th, and they received it on May 22nd with all Biometrics being cleared.
    its been 4 Months now, i have not heard any updates, any thoughts on this Please… does EAD approval in NBC Center take more time..
    I see my friend already received EAD and GC interview Date.So a bit worried if anything is going on bad with my Luck 🙁
    Please advice

    1. Thanks for the kind words, Lakshman. If you have ideas about other resources we could make available just let me know.

      There are a lot of temporary EADs like yours taking upwards of six months. I wish it wasn’t so, but that’s just the truth of the matter. Nonetheless, if you need the EAD now you can plead your case t the local USCIS office via an infopass appointment and ask for a temporary stamp. Many offices are pretty generous with this, and there’s no harm in asking.

  29. I applied 3/22/18 for adjustment of status, work permit and green card but I have not received any notice of action though the tracking number shows the package was received. It’s now 6 months and I have not heard anything. Have tried to make phone calls to the call center still nothing showing.

    How long does acknowledgement of receiving the application take?

  30. Hi, I applied for EAD on May 2018, and it was approved on August 21, 2018. But the online status is ‘card is being produced’ since then and I still don’t receive my EAD card yet. Any thoughts? Thank you

  31. Hi,

    I applied for green card along with the I-765 form on May 11th in New York after marrying my husband, who is a US citizen. I had my fingerprinting done on June 5th. I currently have an OPT EAD card that was issued on June 4th, and I’m wondering if I can use that EAD card to work since the EAD I applied with my Green Card application is not approved yet (> 90 days has passed). However, I have passed the 90 days of unemployment under OPT. Since my green card application is pending, does the 90 unemployment days apply? Can I work with that EAD card until my new EAD card arrives? I’m confused and unsure because my legal advisor said that since I have an EAD card, I can work no matter what. Please kindly share your opinions and past experiences if they relate to my current situations. Thanks a million!

    – Sam

    1. Hi, Sam. The 90-day rule results in a status violation for your student visa. You need to talk to your lawyer about the implications for that as USCIS is now very aggressive in examining student visa violations in the context of adjustment cases. But under some circumstances, an adjustment applicant (for the spouse of a U.S. citizen) can still get an approval if s/he falls out of status. But you may still use your EAD until the new one tied to your adjustment application comes through (assuming you applied for it).

  32. I aplplied for U visa and work permit March 31 2015 and have not had any information on my case, why is it taking so long

  33. Hello,
    They received my application on August 13, 2018, can I know, how long does it take to get my EAD? It’s my first time to get it.

  34. Hi,

    What are the best actions besides waiting if EAD application was submitted in Oct 2017 and there is still no answer from USCIS?

    I have a lawyer who’s been following the case closely. We tried InfoPass 3 tikes, 8 inquires and contacted Ombudsman. No clear answer from anyone. The InfoPass person said they are understaffed and the fax we tried to send with expedite didn’t go through 5 times so we sent the physical documents by priority mail to the main office. We got an answe that we didn’t provide evidence because they didn’t receive any documents.

    It’s such a frustrating experience and I do not know what else I can do. All our life plans are on hold because I cannot work or travel. Any thoughts? Thank you! D.

    1. Hi, Dana. This sounds like a really frustrating situation. Do did the InfoPass officers really refuse to issue a stamp even though it’s been almost a year? That would be extremely unusual in my experience.

      The nuclear option in these cases is a mandamus lawsuit. (A mandamus lawsuit basically asks for the court to tell the government to do something it’s required to do). You’ve laid the groundwork for that by repeated requests and the ombudsman complaint. Often, once a mandamus action is filed, the USAG (government attorney) will call up USCIS and basically tell them to get their act together, because no USAG wants to spend time on such cases. Mandamus cases can’t be used to combat normal delay, but could be feasible on the facts you describe.

  35. Hi, I applied for EAD at 16 August 2018 and I got a mail about receive. It says that I will get receive at September 9, does this means that I am going to learn whether or not my EAD approved at that? What is the meaning of receive for EAD? Thank you.

    1. We may not totally be following the question, but the automatic notice that says when action will be taken in your case in no way guarantees when the EAD will actually be issued. Many are taking upwards of 6 months.

  36. I applied for my work permit on th 07/25/18 and my old one is going to explain on 10/18/18 so please what can i do if i don’t receive the new one in?

    1. Hi, Agnes. You can try using InfoPass to set an appointment at your local USCIS office and request a temporary extension stamp while showing proof that your I-765 was filed (ideally the Form I-797 filing receipt). Officers and offices differ substantially on their willingness to do these extension stamps, but it never hurts to ask.

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