USCIS is supposed to process most types of EADs in 90 days (and some types even faster than that). However, they do not always keep this standard. Unfortunately, the only thing you can really do in this situation is to wait and complain. Contact USCIS to start an inquiry into why your EAD is late. They will likely tell you they're behind on printing cards and you just have to wait. However, at least you will be on their radar.

Yes, you will need a Social Security Number in order to use your work permit for a job. We typically apply for both the work permit and SSN at the same time. If the Social Security Card does not arrive for some reason, you can also take your EAD into a Social Security office to resolve the issue.

No. All lawful permanent residents (aka green card holders) are allowed to work at any legal job in the United States. You will show your employer your green card and Social Security card when you are hired to prove you have work authorization.

If your green card is finalized before the work permit application is approved, no work permit will be issued. That is because you're already a lawful permanent resident, so you don't need extra work authorization. Consider yourself lucky your adjustment was processed so quickly!

Yes. You should use your current Social Security number on all immigration forms, because usually the government will continue to use that same SSN for you for your lifetime. However, you should request a SS card again on your immigration forms so you get an updated card. Once you have a green card, your new SS card will not say "Valid with DHS Authorization" at the top any more.

This is a question that has not been clarified under current laws. (Mostly because current laws have been on the books since before computers were invented!!) Please consult us or another qualified immigration attorney about the specific details of your circumstances to discuss the risks in your case before doing this.

In most cases, we do recommend applying for an additional EAD along with your adjustment application. That is because you usually aren't prohibited from holding both types of work authorization at the same time, and the EAD you receive with a pending adjustment has no job-related restrictions. So, for example, if you are on an H1B currently, if you get an EAD through your marriage-based adjustment, you would no longer be tied to your specific employer. This can be a huge benefit to you if a new job opportunity comes along that you'd like to accept or if your employer lays you off. We always look to maximize our clients' choices and minimize risks and vulnerabilities.

Technically, the law allows for K-1 Visa holders to apply for work permits. However, this application would be pointless, because K-1 status is only valid for 90 days, and a work permit currently takes 90 days or more to process. It is an unfortunate example of the bureaucracy we have. So the fastest way to get work authorization on a K-1 is to get married and file your adjustment ASAP with a work authorization application based on the pending adjustment.