from www.immigration-law.com
10/17/2007: EAD and Impact on H-1B Status for EB-485 Applicants in H-1B Nonimmigrant Status
The issue of impact of the EAD and Advance Parole on the nonimmigrant status of I-485 applicants is governed by the old INS memorandum of Michael Cronin, Associate Commissioner, in May 25, 2000. This memorandum clarified two points on the impact of EAD and AP on the 485 applicant's H-1B nonimmigrant status as follows:
Application vs. Use of EAD or Advance Parole: Applying for and obtaining approval of EAD or Advance Parole does not affect the 485 applicant's "nonimmigrant status" including H and L. However, once the alien starts work using an EAD or travels on Advance Parole, the alien is considered no longer in a nonimmigrant status including H and L.
Impact of Using EAD for Another Employer Using EAD: The memorandum states: Question: If an H-1 or L-1 nonimmigrant or H-4 or L-2 dependent family member obtains an EAD based on their application for adjustment of status but does not use it to obtain employment, is the alien still maintaining his/her nonimmigrant status? Answer: Yes. The fact that an H or L nonimmigrant is granted an EAD does not cause the alien to violate his/her nonimmigrant status. There may be legitimate reasons for an H or L nonimmigrant to apply for an EAD on the basis of a pending application for adjustment of status. However, an H-I or L-1 nonimmigrant will violate his/her nonimmigrant status if s/he uses the EAD to leave the employer listed on the approved 1-129 petition and engage in employment for a separate employer.
Unmarried H-1B professionals in I-485 proceeding should seek legal counsel before they attempt to go into an open market seeking employment using EAD.