A normal procedure(at least in NJ, should be similiar other states), A. you provide informations and sign original application documents(about 30 pages, almost every pages need to be signed); B. Then they submit your application for approval. C. once finally approved(with no condition), then set a date to close, D. at closing, the documents is over 50 pages.
The apprisal is done during A-B, before C.
The rate lock, is A-C, at least 3 days before D.
Closing date could be set at stage A, but without C, cannot go to step D.
So your case, what're the escrow documents you signed? If they're the step A's, that means they didn't process(at least efficiently) you loan yet until after you signed. Then it's December already, when the rate already up a lot.
They probably didn't lock your rate. That's why the later employment letter requests.
But what is 485 pending exactly--do you have valid H-1B visa, or you only have EAD? Some bank won't accept EAD, a good loan officer should tell you way before. But, a loan officer has no right to approve your loan and he/she may not know many rules/guidelines about a loan, that's why you would want a good/experienced loan office, who can spot potiential problem at early stage.
