Question details
My spouse was the primary applicant for our Adjustment of Status, and they just received their Green Card. I am a derivative on the same application, but my case is still pending. What is my legal status, and can I continue to work?
ANSWER
You remain in I-485 Pending status. Your status does not automatically convert to a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) just because the primary applicant was approved; each individual application must be adjudicated. As long as you have a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you can continue to work legally in the United States. You are no longer in your previous non-immigrant status (like H-4) once you begin relying on the I-485 pending status or the EAD.