User Question: I applied for asylum in August, had an interview in September, and have been waiting for a decision. After five months, I applied for an EAD in January. It has been over 180 days, and I am still waiting for approval. Could my EAD decision be delayed because I had an asylum interview? My friend applied for an EAD two days after me and got approved, but they haven’t had an asylum interview yet. We are both F1 students who entered legally.

Expert Answer: While EAD processing times can vary, having an asylum interview does not automatically delay an EAD decision. However, USCIS may conduct additional background checks, which could extend processing time. Your friend's approval may be due to differences in USCIS workload, background checks, or individual case factors. If your case exceeds normal processing times, consider submitting an inquiry with USCIS or seeking assistance through an ombudsman or congressional office.