Cookie Notice In addition, there are a few special categories where certain additional family members qualify as derivative applicants and may adjust status. While the current administration has made some useful changes, including noted policies, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the continued slowdown. You should receive a notice of action* within 45 days. According to USCIS, it takes 97.8 minutes to adjudicate an I485. For more information on SSR, see Volume 2, Nonimmigrants, Part F, Students (F, M), Chapter 6, Employment, Section C, Severe Economic Hardship Due to Emergent Circumstances [2 USCIS-PM F.6(C)]. These include: Adjustment applicants in T or U nonimmigrant status; Applicants under Section 13 or the Act of September 11, 1957 (Public Law 85-316); and. I didnt see a better option for me and felt it was due. Your priority dates became current, you filed the I-485, then the priority dates slipped back two years, at this time USCIS has two choices. In other words, the principal applicant or derivative spouse may never use their childs country of birth for cross-chargeability. Ask our. In addition, derivatives are also required to appear regardless of the immigrant visa category. [^ 30] If the noncitizen is in the United States, the initial EAD is automatically issued upon approval of the Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-918). It says to just wait. You should receive a notice of action* within 45 days. Motions to reopen or reconsider are typically adjudicated by the same office that adjudicated Form I-765. 8 CFR 274a Subpart B - Employment authorization, INA 103, 8 CFR 103 - Powers and duties of the Secretary, the Under Secretary, and the Attorney General, G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, How to Use the USCIS Policy Manual Website (PDF, 2.99 MB). If an IRS transcript is submitted, then W-2s or 1099s are not needed. USCIS assigns a 13-character case number (receipt number) to each application, for example: SRC 06 012 54321. This situation may occur when the same petitioner in a family-based category has filed more than one petition on behalf of an applicantfor the same classification. Phone - Contact the National Visa Center at 603-334-0700. For the two times that I have been able to make the "processing taking too long" inquiry, I got a relatively quick response like you got and sure enough it didn't take but a few more weeks I got the completed notice in one case and the name change on my green card in my other case. Nebraska is taking 13 to 27.5 months; Potomac is taking 13 to 19 months; Texas is taking 13.5 to 18 months; and Vermont is taking 11.5 to 17.5 months. If the adjustment application has been pendingfor180 daysor more, the applicant maybeeligible foradjustmentportability. Not weekly. 3 USCIS-PM - Volume 3 - Humanitarian Protection and Parole, 4 USCIS-PM - Volume 4 - Refugees and Asylees. If a derivative U nonimmigrant seeks to obtain an EAD as evidence of employment authorization, the derivative may file Form I-765, with the appropriate fee or request for a fee waiver. [^ 69]SeeINA 212(a)(3)(A)(iii)andINA 237(a)(4)(A). See U Nonimmigrant Status Bona Fide Determination Process FAQs. *A notice of action may be in a form of Approval Notice, Denial Notice, Transfer Notice , Request for Evidence, or Notice of Intent to Deny. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Receive automatic case status updates by email or text message, . In certain situations, an applicant may benefit from the charging of their visa to their spouses or parents country of birth rather than their own. See8 CFR 103.2(b)(1). Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is revising its policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to align with the Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements Final Rule, published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2020. As with all INA 245(a) adjustment cases, a visa must be available at the time of final adjudication. See Section 431(b) of PRWORA,Pub. [^ 71] See 8 CFR 103.2(b)(16). The applicant becomes a lawful permanent resident as of the date USCIS approves the adjustment application. Review our. [44], An adopted child who was not able to accompany the principal because the two-year legal custody and joint residence requirements had not yet been met when the principal immigrated may become eligible to follow to join the principal. Post is better suited for this forum. This does not mean that there is no update on your case. Login Signup. For employment-based immigrants, the priority date isestablished on the earliest of: The date the petition was properly filed with USCIS;[23]or, The date thepermanentlabor certification application[24]was accepted for processing by the Department of Labor (DOL),when a labor certification is required.[25]. Looking for U.S. government information and services? 3009, 3009-670 (September 30, 1996) and codified at8 U.S.C. Generally, the same applies to Form I-765 renewal requests. The History tab was added to the USCIS Policy Manual on June 11, 2021, and provides historical versions on and after that date. In addition, there are limits to the percentage of visas that can be allotted based on an immigrants country of birth.[19]. U.S. For eligible automatic extension EAD categories, see the Automatic Employment Authorization (EAD) Extension webpage. Visas are available for a prospective immigrant when the immigrants priority date is earlier than the cut-off date shown in the relevant Visa Bulletin chart for his or her preference category and country of birth (and chargeability). In such cases, USCIS also determines whether the application should be granted in the exercise of discretion. 2763, 2763A-325 (December 21, 2000). Its possible it triggered them to pull off the dusty shelf, assign to an officer and start the servicing. More 0 found this answer helpful | 5 lawyers agree Helpful Unhelpful 0 comments Hany S Brollesy View Profile 4 reviews Avvo Rating: 3.7 Immigration Attorney in Matawan, NJ Reveal number Private message A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. The files should be kepttogether in a family pack. The following situations are examples of when applicants are eligible for cross-chargeability: Derivative spouses visa to the principal applicants country of chargeability, Principal applicants visa to the derivative spouses country of chargeability, Available for principal applicant and derivative spouse, Derivative childs visa to either parents more favorable country of chargeability, Processing Requests for Cross-Chargeability. In other words, immediate relatives are exempt from the numerical restrictions of other immigrant categories;an immigrant visa is always immediately available at the time they file an adjustment application and at the time of final adjudication, if approved. The officer should consider the totality of the circumstances to determine whether an articulable link exists between the applicant (or organization)and prior, current, or planned involvement in, or association with an activity,anyapplicant (or organization)described in any of these sections. For historical versions before June 11, 2021, navigate to the USCIS Policy Manual within the USCIS website at:https://archive.org, Select a date to view the historical version, An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, An official website of the United States government, Chapter 3 - Documentation and Evidence [Reserved], Chapter 6 - Card Production and Card Correction [Reserved], Chapter 7 - Post-Decision Actions [Reserved], POLICY ALERT - Special Student Relief for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students, POLICY ALERT - Updating General Guidelines on Maximum Validity Periods for Employment Authorization Documents based on Certain Filing Categories, Technical Update - Replacing the Term Alien, POLICY ALERT - Applications for Discretionary Employment Authorization Involving Certain Adjustment Applications or Deferred Action, Technical Update - Replacing the Term Foreign National, To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. See 8 CFR 214.2(3)(23). In this case, the officer should hold the final adjudication of the adjustment application in abeyance in order to locate the underlying petition andthen verifythatthe petition is still valid andthe applicant remains eligible for the classification. Get processing time I hope you hear something favorable soon. [^ 50] Includes a B-1 nonimmigrant who is the domestic employee of a U.S. citizen who has a permanent foreign home or is stationed in a foreign country, and who is temporarily visiting the United States. Inmostcases, animmigrantvisamust beavailable at the time of filing the adjustment application and at the time of final adjudication, if approved. SeeMatter of Ho (PDF), 19 I&N Dec. 582 (BIA 1988). your case is currently pending adjudication??? [^ 54] Includes a principal nonimmigrant witness or informant in S classification and qualified dependent family members. USCIS August 12, 2008 - petition sent August 16, 2008 - NOA-1 February 10, 2009 - NOA-2 178 DAYS FROM NOA-1 NVC . The officer then verifies the underlying basis of adjustment or adjudicates the replacement petition if the original was still pending. Hopefully you don't get beyond the normal processing time window without an answer. To the extent that a provision in the USCIS Policy Manual conflicts with remaining AFM content or Policy Memoranda, the updated information in the USCIS Policy Manual prevails. [^ 57]SeeINA 320. See8 CFR 103.2(b)(1),8 CFR 103.2(b)(2), and8 CFR 103.2(b)(12). [5]Theofficer must confirm that the applicant remains eligible to adjust status based on the relationship claimed on the underlying immigrant visa petition. [^ 43] The noncitizen may be employed only in an occupation or vocation directly related to the noncitizens course of study as recommended by the endorsement of the designated school official on Form I-20. Tried to expedite but USCIS says case is being adjudicated I-765 (EAD) I tried to expedite my marriage based I-765 EAD through USCIS' call center, and the agent I talked to said he was unable to do so because my case is currently being adjudicated. [^ 1]The approval of a visa petition provides no rights to the beneficiary of the petition, as approval of a visa petition is a preliminary step in the adjustment of status process. The officershouldconsult the Department of StatesVisa Bulletinto determine whether a visa was available at time of filingand at time offinal adjudication and approval. Your Congressman can help speed up your immigration case with USCIS, as USCIS is one of several U.S. federal agencies under the direct oversight of the U.S. Congress. On October 7, 2020, the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) hosted a public webinar to discuss USCIS' Processing of Concurrently Pending Forms N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and Forms I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence). SJordanS one other maxim pay no attention to that VJ timeline. Consequently, a Diversity Visa Program adjustment applicant does not need to file an Affidavit of Support. A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. U.S. Department of State (DOS) is the agency that allocates immigrant visa numbers. 'Adjudicated' means a human, an adjudicator, is looking at it. Congress gave immigration priority to immediate relative immigrants, defined as: The children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of U.S. citizens; The parents of U.S. citizens at least 21 years old; and, Widows or widowers of U.S. citizens if the spouse files a petition within 2 years of the citizens death.[12]. Sometimes thedemandfor immigrant visasis less thanthesupply in a particular immigrant visa preference category and country of birth (or country of chargeability). SeeINA 245(m)and8 CFR 245.24. However, your case is currently under review by an officer. It was assigned as soon as my sent my inquiry. [^ 53]For detailed information on reviewing Form I-693, see Volume 8, Admissibility, Part B, Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility, Chapter 4, Review of Medical Documentation, Section C, Documentation Completed by Civil Surgeon [8 USCIS-PM B.4(C)]. [^ 15]Although a visa is immediately available to T nonimmigrant-based adjustment applicants at the time of filing, there is an annual cap on the number of adjustments allowed each year. [^ 57] Initial and renewal requests for employment authorization under this category are adjudicated on Application for Employment Authorization for Abused Nonimmigrant Spouse (Form I-765V). It means that your application is currently being reviewed and that the USCIS and that they expect to make a decision within 15 days 1 rt1012 reacted to this Share this post. See 8 CFR 214.2(b), (e), (f), (h), (i), (j), (l), (m), (o), (p), (q), (r) or under INA 214(e). Review our. If you have a pending Form I-485, requesting to transfer the underlying basis of that application will likely result in faster adjudication of your application than filing a 2nd Form I-485, is more efficient, & will help USCIS maximize visa use. Once USCIS accepts the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765), USCIS reviews the application for completeness and submission of the required initial evidence. This page was not helpful because the content: Chapter 9 - Death of Petitioner or Principal Beneficiary, Chapter 10 - Legal Analysis and Use of Discretion, Part I - Adjustment Based on Violence Against Women Act, Part J - Trafficking Victim-Based Adjustment, Part Q - Rescission of Lawful Permanent Residence, EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Modernization Final Rule (PDF), Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin, How to Use the USCIS Policy Manual Website, EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Modernization Final Rule (PDF), Appendix: 2020 Fee Rule Litigation Summary, EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Modernization Final Rule (PDF). For family-based applications, USCIS generally requires the Form I-130 petitioner to appear for the interview with the principal adjustment of status applicant. For more information on how to request a replacement, see Volume 11, Travel and Identity Documents, Part A, Secure Identity Documents Policies and Procedures, Chapter 3, Reissuance of Secure Identity Documents [11 USCIS-PM A.3]. Log in Now Regulatory Resources Law Links Adviser's Manual 360 NAFSA Regulatory Engagement Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. If the USCIS grants the petition or application, the individual may be . By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. U-1 nonimmigrants may also file Form I-765 if seeking a replacement EAD that was lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, or that contain an error. In practice, cross-chargeability is used where the preference quota category is backlogged for one spouses country of chargeability but is current for the other spouses country of chargeability. L. 104-208 (PDF), 110 Stat. [^ 3] See 8 CFR 103.2(b)(9). So I requested for the expedite. Be warned, however, that wait times will depend on the . Find the processing time for your case type at the Service Center. 2763, 2753A-326 (December 21, 2000), Sections 811, 814, and 824 of VAWA 2005,Pub. K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports, Family & Marriage Based US Visa Immigration Discussion, Didn't find the answer you were looking for? [^ 68]SeeINA 212(a)(3)(A)(i)(II)andINA 237(a)(4)(A). This buys them more time. 7 USCIS-PM C - Part C - 245(i) Adjustment. [^ 10] Initial EAD validity period starts the day of adjudication of Application for Status as a Temporary Resident Under Section 245A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Form I-687). While USCIS considers this decision, USCIS will apply the EB-5 regulations and policies that were in effect before the rule was finalized on November 21, 2019. L. 106-554 (PDF), 114 Stat. In general, supporting evidence to establish eligibility includes, but is not limited to: Documents to establish a qualifying relationship; and. The officermust verify the status of any underlying immigrant visa petition or other basis for immigrating prior to adjudicating the adjustment application. [^ 60] Initial and renewal requests for employment authorization under this category are adjudicated on Form I-765V. Processing time is defined as the number of days (or months) that have elapsed between the date USCIS received an application, petition, or request and the date USCIS completed the application, petition, or request (that is, approved or denied it) in a given six-month period. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating and incorporating relevant Adjudicators Field Manual (AFM) content into the USCIS Policy Manual. Official websites use .gov The below charts illustrate the maximum validity period that may be granted for requests for initial employment authorization, EAD, or both and requests to renew employment authorization, EAD, or both. The approval of Form I-765 does not grant the applicant an immigration status; it simply provides authorization to work and accompanying evidence of such authorization, or evidence of authorization to work where a noncitizen is already authorized to work by virtue of the applicants immigration status or circumstance. These bars preclude certain applicants from adjusting status, including those who have violated their status, failed to maintain valid status, or worked without authorization. We regret that we are not able to give you a time frame for when we will complete the review of your application. The decision will allow the immigrant to move forward. . Determine that the applicant merits the favorable exercise of discretion. See 84 FR 35750, 35808 (PDF) (July 24, 2019). May may may. USCIS service request was raised as my case (H1B petition for 2018) was outside normal processing time. Sometimes a priority date that is current one monthwill not becurrent the next month, or the cut-off date will move backwards to an earlier date. Except for human trafficking victims and Section 13 adjustment based applicants, an officer does not need to review visa availability for applicants filing in the above categoriesat the time of final adjudication. Well except for one young guy not a T2 who actually thanked me for being so polite if you can believe it. See INA 241(a)(3). [^ 2]SeeINA 212(a)(3)(A), INA 212(a)(3)(B), or INA 212(a)(3)(F). Create a Free USCIS Account Online. [^ 17]Some adjustment programs that are otherwise different from general adjustment include: the Cuban Adjustment Act,Pub. [7], Once USCIS determines the applicant has established identity and eligibility for employment authorization including, if applicable, warranting a favorable exercise of discretion, USCIS approves Form I-765 and orders production of the EAD.[8]. If a principal applicant is filing along with a derivative spouse or child and a visa appears unavailable at first glance,the officer should check the A-files for possible cross-chargeability eligibility. Visa retrogressiongenerallyoccurs when the annual limitfor a category or countryhas beenused up or is expected to be used up soon. This guidance becomes effective October 2, 2020. 01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to . RD : April 2020 Application : i539 + i765 This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast 6 19 comments Residingwith either adoptive parent will meet the joint residence requirement with respect to each adoptive parent. This category includes a spouse of a long-term investor in the CNMI other than an E-2 CNMI investor who obtained such status based on a foreign retiree investment certificate. [^ 64] See Section G, Motion to Reopen or Reconsider [10 USCIS-PM A.4(G)]. **Post moved from K1 Process to Progress Reports. [64] Furthermore, denial of Form I-765 does not preclude the applicant from filing again if eligibility for employment authorization can be established. [1]If the underlying immigrant visa petition is still pending, the officer is responsible for determining if the beneficiary of the petition is eligible for the classification sought and adjudicating the petition prior to considering the adjustment application. My fingers are crossed I hear wayyyy before 45 days! In this video, Joseph covers what the USCIS considers when . Inall cases wherecross-chargeability provisions apply, the files should be forwarded to the adjudicating officer with a notation that indicates possible cross-chargeability. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) limits the number of immigrant visas that may be issued to noncitizens seeking to become U.S. permanent residents each year. [32], DOS, in coordination with USCIS, revises the Visa Bulletin each month to estimate immigrant visa availability for prospective immigrants.[33]. [^ 44] Includes two groups of applicants who may be eligible for employment authorization; an applicant who filed an Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal (Pursuant to Section 203 of Public Law 105-100 (NACARA) (Form I-881) and the application remains pending with the asylum office or with Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and an applicant who filed for suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal directly with EOIR. Your case is currently in line for processing and adjudication. [^ 1] See Part A, Adjustment of Status Policies and Procedures, Chapter 6, Adjudicative Review [7 USCIS-PM A.6] and Chapter 11, Decision Procedures [7 USCIS-PM A.11]. [^ 72] For more information on automatic EAD extension requirements, see 4.4 Automatic Extensions of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) in Certain Circumstances in the USCIS Handbook for Employers M-274. INA 245(i), 8 CFR 245.10 - Adjustment of status of certain aliens physically present in the United States, G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, I-485Supplement A, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i), I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, How to Use the USCIS Policy Manual Website (PDF, 2.99 MB). 3d (N.D. Cal. 1 USCIS-PM - Volume 1 - General Policies and Procedures, 7 USCIS-PM - Volume 7 - Adjustment of Status, 9 USCIS-PM - Volume 9 - Waivers and Other Forms of Relief, 10 USCIS-PM - Volume 10 - Employment Authorization, 11 USCIS-PM - Volume 11 - Travel and Identity Documents, 12 USCIS-PM - Volume 12 - Citizenship and Naturalization. 6 USCIS-PM G.3 - Chapter 3 - Regional Center Designation, Reporting, Amendments, and Termination [Reserved], 6 USCIS-PM G.4 - Chapter 4 - Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor (Form I-526), 6 USCIS-PM G.5 - Chapter 5 - Removal of Conditions. Case has been assigned to an officer The expediting of a case allows it to be sent quickly to an officer for adjudication. L. 104-193 (PDF), 110 Stat. View case status online using your receipt number, which can be found on notices that you may have received from USCIS. See8 CFR 205.1(a)(1). [8], If the principal beneficiary becomes a permanent resident and loses his or her permanent resident status or naturalizes prior to the derivatives adjustment, the derivative is no longer eligible for the classification as an accompanying or following-to-join family member. In this case, the adjustment applicant may not need to repeat the medical exam in the United States or may only need to undergo the vaccination assessment. An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, An official website of the United States government, Part R - Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Residence, Technical Update - Replacing the Term Alien, Technical Update - Incorporating Existing Guidance into the Policy Manual, Technical Update - Moving the Adjudicators Field Manual Content into the USCIS Policy Manual, Technical Update - Replacing the Term Foreign National, To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. Coronavirus (COVID-19 . He was told his case may be adjudicated back in January. See Chapter 7, Child Status Protection Act [7 USCIS-PM A.7]. When USCIS calculates the validity dates based on a set number of years, USCIS issues the EAD with the length of time allowed, minus 1 day. 1641. [^ 20]For exceptions to this general rule, see22 CFR 42.12. See 8 CFR 274a.13(a)(1). As it appears, your file is not really active at this point - and they haven't asked for new fingerprints even two months after it became 'current'. Additionally, applications filed under 8 CFR 274a.12(c), with limited exceptions, are considered in the exercise of discretion. You can check the status via CEAC portal or phone. [^ 65]SeeINA 212(a)(3)(A),INA 212(a)(3)(B), andINA 212(a)(3)(F). Allotherwise approvableemployment-based and family-based cases located at a USCIS field office that do not have a visa available at the time of adjudication must be transferred to the appropriate USCIS office or Service Center once the case has been adjudicated up to the point of final adjudication. 7 USCIS-PM B - Part B - 245(a) Adjustment, 7 USCIS-PM L - Part L - Refugee Adjustment. [22]The officer should verify the priority date by reviewing the actual immigrant petition or permanent labor certification application. As appropriate, officers may issue a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny to provide the applicant an opportunity to submit additional documentation regarding adjustment eligibility or inadmissibility grounds. We hope this information is helpful and appreciate your continued patience. Not daily. [^ 33] Renewal EAD issuance is based on an approved Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539) extending U nonimmigrant status. Hence, my advice you don't frustrate yourself by actually calling these guys. Documents that establish a qualifying pending or approved application, such as a Notice of Action (Form I-797). Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is providing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding applications for discretionary employment authorization based on 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(9) (pending application for adjustment of status under INA 245) or 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(14) (grant of deferred action). The current spouse or child accompanying (or following to join) a grandfathered noncitizen. Additionally, applications filed under 8 CFR 274a.12 (c), with limited exceptions, are considered in the exercise of discretion. You should receive a notice of action* within 45 days. I did make twice inquiry. Throughout this entire process, you need to learn one maxim when it comes to the whole immigration process. [28] In certain situations, an immigrant investor who is the beneficiary of an employment-based petition filed under the 5th preference may also rely on the priority date of an earlier petition when filing an amendment of that petition.[29]. See 8 CFR 245a.34(c). [18]By statute, these annual visa limits can be exceeded where certain immigrant visa numbers from the previous fiscal years allocation were not fully used. Can you hear me? [2], To grant employment authorization, and issue an EAD, or both, USCIS must verify the applicants identity. A visa queue (waiting list or backlog) forms when the demand is higher than the supply of visas for a given year in any category or country. You should receive a notice of action* within 45 days. If an applicant appeals an unfavorable decision from an application for relief from removal from the immigration judge (IJ) to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), the application for relief from removal is considered pending. Click to see my K1, AOS, ROC & Naturalization Timelines. Persons who obtain relief through a private immigration bill signed into law. To find remaining AFM content, see the crosswalk (PDF, 350.49 KB)between the AFM and the Policy Manual. 2. If USCIS is unable to determine the category, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) to provide the applicant the opportunity to specify the proper category. [^ 4] For more information, see Part A, Adjustment of Status Policies and Procedures, Chapter 6, Adjudicative Review, Section C, Verify Visa Availability [7 USCIS-PM A.6(C)]. [^ 52]For more information, see Volume 8, Admissibility, Part B, Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility, Chapter 3, Applicability of Medical Examination and Vaccination Requirement [8 USCIS-PM B.3]. I raised a SR for case outside normal processing time and today I received this response..What does this mean? Official websites use .gov If an applicant files for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before the current EAD expires and USCIS approves such request, USCIS generally does not backdate or postdate the renewal EAD in relation to the current EADs validity period. If you are within 'normal processing time' anything you do is a total waste of energy. If the applicant is eligible for employment authorization, which may include, if applicable, meriting a favorable exercise of discretion USCIS approves the application and issues an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) on Form I-766.