Changing job after I140 approval (EB1 EA)

[snbama]

Dear forum members

I am a postdoc scientist (H1B valid until May 2012) involved in biomedical research. I applied for I 140 (EB1 EA) and it got approved within 2 months. Immediately after that I applied for I485 (which is current), fingerprinting done and hopefully I will get my EAD next month.
I want to make a transition to industry ASAP. My question is whether after getting EAD, can I join industry with out having industry worry about my visa status. I do not want to get into new H1B petition etc. Overall question is can I join the company solely on the basis of EAD while I485 is pending. I 140 was self petition.

Thanks
snbama

[hsd31]

You have to wait for your I-485 to be pending for more than 6 months and after that you can use the AC21 portability provision to move to a "similar" job based on your EAD. Google for "AC21 portability" and you will find all the info you need.

[snbama]

Hmm. I thought it did not apply for EB1 EA since its not job dependent.

[pappu]

Originally Posted by snbama

Dear forum members

I am a postdoc scientist (H1B valid until May 2012) involved in biomedical research. I applied for I 140 (EB1 EA) and it got approved within 2 months. Immediately after that I applied for I485 (which is current), fingerprinting done and hopefully I will get my EAD next month.
I want to make a transition to industry ASAP. My question is whether after getting EAD, can I join industry with out having industry worry about my visa status. I do not want to get into new H1B petition etc. Overall question is can I join the company solely on the basis of EAD while I485 is pending. I 140 was self petition.

Thanks
snbama

It is self sponsored EB1 and you should not be tied to one employer. You should also get your green card soon since you have completed fingerprinting etc. Check the processing times on USCIS site. These times may also reduce in the coming months .