How Long Does it Take to Receive My EAD Card During COVID-19? 2020 Filers

Let's hear something positive - Several readers have got some good news to share today! More and more applicants who filed Form I-765 in January and February finally got their approval notice for the EAD card (work permit). Considering that the timeline during COVID-19 might be a little different from the usual timeline, I decided to collect some data to let other applicants know what to expect!

Form I-765 is an optional form that you can file concurrently with Form I-485, Adjustment of Status. It is a work permit for the transition time while your green card application is pending. 

Most people file Form I-765 along with Form I-131 (travel documents or called Advanced Parole) to get a combo card that gives you the ability to work and travel while waiting for your final decision on the green card application (I-485).

View Form I-765 Checklist

How Long Does it Take to Receive My EAD Card During COVID-19?

From a few of my kind readers who were willing to share their experience, I was able to put together this timeline chart below to give you an idea of how long it takes for people to receive their EAD card. Note: This chart only included people who didn't get RFEs and have received an approval.

Here are some takeaways:

• Most January filers have received a response from USCIS (either RFE or approval)
• Most January filers waited for 4-5 months before their EAD was approved. 
• Most February/March filers are still waiting - I will come back and give updates when I hear more from them!

Please note that every case is so different, and this chart is meant for giving you an idea of roughly how long the wait time can be, it does not represent how your real case would be.

When Should I Call USCIS? 

First of all, if your case is still within the normal processing time, USCIS agents won't be able to give you more updates on your case. So Click Here to check USCIS's case processing time first before you call. 

The current processing time I see is 4.5 to 6.5 months, which matches what my readers' real experiences. In the chart below (click the chart to see it close up) you can see the column that says "Receipt date for a case inquiry". This means your filed date have to be after December 22nd/23rd before they can accept your inquiry for further information. So if your date is still within the range, don't bother contacting them.

Can I Expedite My EAD Card?

To expedite your case, you need to have a legit reason AND have received a receipt notice. Some examples include:

• Severe financial loss and the need for urgent action is not the result of the applicants' failure to:
• File the benefit request or the expedite request in a reasonable time frame, or
• Respond to any RFE in a timely manner
• Urgent humanitarian reasons
• Urgent cases for Department of Denfense or DHS, or other public safety or national security interests
• USCIS error

Learn more details on USCIS's website here.

How to Expedite an EAD Card

Wait until you have your receipt notice and call USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to create a service request to the office with jurisdiction over your application. They won't be able to reder the expedite request to the dedicated office without your receipt number.

What's your experience on expediting the EAD card? How long does it take for your EAD card to show up in your mail box?

Many readers were surprised to hear that I actually didn't receive my EAD card at all! My green card was approved and arrived earlier than my EAD and the travel permit. I would love to hear your experience!