Originally Posted by ap1231

The reason JCPenny asked for your new EAD is because they will get in major legal trouble if let anyone work who has an expired EAD. Same thing is happening to me. I work at a financial software company, and they sent me a reminder 90 days before my expiration date (exp.Sept 3rd week) to send them a new one. If you see the list of acceptable docs on the I-9, just an acceptance or approval letter from USCIS is not enough...we need to have the unexpired card in our hands and a copy of the card send to HR to continue working.

My plan (if new EAD is not received on time) is to apply to another job when I get the new one. The work I am doing at this place is not fulfilling, nor is it what I really want to do, but it pays well, so I am staying here until I find another job (or until EAD expires).

I would try to do the leave of absence, if possible. Big companies usually wont allow that, but you might give it a shot at your current workplace (its way better than resigning and coming back).

Bold: I feel the same way, thats why if my EAD expires, I am not coming back to this job (even though my employer offered to hire me back). I will be getting my greencard soon anyway, so I am not really worried.

Good luck though, hopefully it all works out for you

Hope this helps.