INS now allows simultaneous filing of employment petition & adjustment of status application

On July 31, 2002, the INS issued new regulations that would allow aliens sponsored for greencards through labor certification, to file the employment petition, together with the adjustment of status application, and the application for work authorization. Now, aliens will be able to get work authorization much sooner, that will allow them to work legally in the United States.

Under existing procedures, the employment petition must first be approved, before the alien can apply for adjustment of status and obtain work authorization. Approval of the employment petition could sometimes take several months. With this new regulation, aliens sponsored for green cards through Labor Certification, could now file the employment petition along with adjustment of status application right after a Labor Certification has been issued by the Department of Labor. And, at the same time, apply for work authorization. Once they get work authorization, they can get a Driver’s License, Social Security (SS#), etc.

As for those aliens whose employment petitions have already been filed and are still pending at the INS Service Center, the new regulations likewise allow the filing of the adjustment of status application and work authorization application.

With recent legislation and INS regulations that aim to hasten immigration processing and promote family reunification, it is becoming clear that federal authorities are trying to make it easier for those who are legitimately qualified to obtain permanent residence in the United States.

I suggest that you contact an immigration attorney to avail of this new regulation. A work authorization can open a lot of doors for you and relieve you of your fears – of losing your job or not finding a job, not being able to obtain or renew your driver’s license. You owe it to yourself to have peace of mind