Originally Posted by
dluxx
Yeah nah... Just so you know, the E3D gives the right to live in the US, but doesn't automatically grant the right to work. Once you have your Social Security Number, etc, you can then apply for an Employment Autorization Document (EAD). That process they say can take 90 days, but up to 120 is not uncommon. And you need to reapply for the EAD every time you get a new visa.
So, when the primary E3 holder comes up on their 2 years and reapplies, the new E3D should be granted at the same time. There is no reduction in processing time for a renewal... So explaining to the CP why you'll need 3-4 months off every 2 years might be a stretch.
Some corrections...
EADs are running more like 6 months on average now.
Your E3 in your passport is an application to enter the country. The CBP officer then makes the call as to how long to make your status last for, usually 2 years from date of entry. This is why your Valid Until stamp in your passport always seems like some random date into the future, beyond that of the current E3 expiry. With this, and a bit of foresight, you can non rev out of the country and come back in with a fresh stamp, then apply for an EAD based of the latest i94, effectively (hopefully) leaving you with a new EAD before your old one expires.