ššSure, you can apply for EAD later, but only after getting a receipt notice for I-485.
ššI personally think you've made a mistake by not applying for EAD together with
I-485. EAD serves as a sort of insurance policy. If you get it but do not use it, this
does not invalidate your H1 status.
ššHere are a few reason why EAD can come in handy:
šš1) Say you want to supplement your income by doing some consulting job in addition
to working for the primary employer. This can be done using EAD
šš2) If you get fired or have to leave your employer on short notice, you can use EAD
to start working immediately for another employer without filing for an H1 transfer.
ššIf you have to leave your employer (for example if you want to use the AC-21 rule),
many companies are unwilling to file another H1 petition for you since you are eligible
for EAD.
ššH1 filing costs the company quite a bit of money and they may not want
to pay it.
šš3) EAD can be used to stop the H1 6 year clock. If you get an EAD and then have
the H1 cancelled, your 6 year clock stops ticking.
ššA few things to keep in mind:
šša) If you actually use EAD to obtain employment (i.e. use it for the I-9 form),
this automatically terminates your H1 status. You'll need AP for travel and re-entry.
ššb) If you are in EAD status and your I-485 is denied (which is very rare but still can
happen), you cannot change status to another non-immigrant visa. You have to leave
the country and then apply for a new visa from abroad.