Am I eligible for employment in the US while the Adjustment of Status is being processed?

The “Adjustment of Status” is also known as the filing of the form I-485.  Unless the Applicant has been admitted to the United States with a Non-Immigrant status that grants him/her the authorization to work and this authorization does not expire before the Adjustment of Status is granted, then the applicant must obtain the necessary authorization to work.

Authorization for employment typically takes 60-90 days and processing times could be longer if background checks on the applicant are required.  Authorization for employment is usually granted during the time required, but no longer then one year and it may be necessary to re-apply for authorization if the Adjustment of Status is not complete by the expiration date of the granted employment authorization.  Employment without authorization at any time in the U.S. is a violation of immigration status and may jeopardize the right to adjust status.  It is strongly reccomended that this issue be discussed with the Immigration Attorney who is handling your applicaiton.