What is an Employment Authorization Document?

An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) allows you to legally work in the United States, temporarily. They are also known as a “work permit”. An EAD will not grant you legal status by itself, you must also have some form of legal status allowing you to be in the United States.

How do you qualify for an EAD?

 An EAD is necessary if you have a legal status that doesn’t allow you to work in the United States. A Green Card holder is automatically authorized to work in the United States and will not need to apply.

There are many different immigration categories you could qualify under when you apply, all with further sub-categories:

  • Asylee/Refugee
  • Nationality
  • Foreign Student
  • Dependents of Employees of Diplomatic Missions, International Organizations, or NATO
  • Employment-Based Nonimmigrant
  • Family-Based NonimmigrantUnitedAdjustment of Status
  • Other

 

What is the application process?

You will need to fill out a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and send it to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)  along with all the additional required documents and filing fee. What documents you are required to file will vary based on factors such as your immigration category and whether you are applying for an EAD or renewing one.  It is important to review the instructions on the form I-765 which can be found on the USCIS website by clicking on the following link: https://www.uscis.gov/I-765

Once USCIS receives your Form I-765 they will send you: a receipt confirming they have your application, notices for a biometric services (fingerprints) appointment and/or an interview (if required) and notice of their decision.

 

How long does this process take?

Because of the many different immigration categories, it is difficult to say how long you will have to wait for a decision on your application. Some immigration categories allow you to file a Form I-765 concurrently with another petition, others have a waiting period before you can file a Form I-765. If requested, you should receive your Social Security Number (SSN) card within seven business days of your EAD or contact the social security administration office.

For answers to your personal questions regarding EADs, please schedule an appointment with our office.