People,

I'm in serious trouble regarding my EAD card. The problem is, I was offered employment from november 15, but my case is still pending. My application was received by the Vermont service center only on Oct 18. Apparently since October 2006, the public centers for immigration do not issue an interim card.

So, in this case what am I to do? I am about to lose my job. Is there any way to be able to start working or to try and expedite my case or whatever?

Your help will be appreciated.

If you will be still going college on November 15 then you can not start working until and unless you talk to you employers staing that you can work from Nov 15 as a trainee without pay or they can pay you after you get the card. If you do not have to go to college, you can go to international student office and tell them that you already got the job offer. They can call immigration office and request for fast processing. Anyway good luck.

I'm graduating this Dec, don't have to go to school anymore. And the international student office did everything they could....but. Thanks anyway.

Any other suggestions?

It is taking almost 3 months for the USCIS to process the I-765. The international office cannot help you in this regard however the USCIS will back date your EAD and try to give you 12 months.

Good Luck!

If the date you requested for the OPT has passes. You can schedule an appointment at your local USCIS office and they will issue you a temporary work permit. It usually takes 11 weeks for the OPT card.

Some companies accept receipts as well, as a proof that you have applied for the OPT card. Check your employer. However, your employer cannot pay you until you have the original document. But, you can certainly make some arrangements so that you work now "for free" and get a "fat bonus" whenever you receieve your card.

Hey Himalayandude,

Is the "temporary work permit (issued by local USCIS)" you are talking about is the "Employment Authorization Document (EAD)" after your OPT is approved or it is different from EAD?