Employment Authorization Card:
How We Can Help You Secure Work Authorization
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY LAURA LEON
Certain non-citizens can work legally in the United States with an Employment Authorization Document, also known as an Employment Authorization Card. This document may be available to you if you’re waiting on a green card, an asylum decision, or another immigration benefit. In these cases, an EAD could mean the difference between being financially stable and being forced out of the workforce through no fault of your own.
Employment Authorization Documents are closely linked to immigration status, so it’s important to be careful and take your time while applying. Learn more about how to apply, who needs one, and when it’s time to seek legal guidance. Ready to discuss your next steps with an immigration attorney? Call Laura Leon Law at 979-401-2737 now.
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What is EAD?
EAD stands for Employment Authorization Document and is a government-issued card that shows you are legally permitted to work in the United States for a set period of time, usually one to two years. It’s also commonly referred to as a “work permit.”
When you’re approved for an EAD, you can seek lawful employment in the United States, complete Form I-9 verification with an employer, and apply for a Social Security number, if you are eligible.
While an EAD is tied to immigration status, it doesn’t grant immigration status. It’s typically awarded to those who have a pending or approved immigration application, such as an adjustment of status, asylum or the relative of someone with an approved immigration application.
Who Needs an EAD?
Not all non-citizens need an Employment Authorization Card to work in the United States. Some individuals who may need an EAD before seeking employment include:
- Those with a pending adjustment of status application
- People who have applied for asylum or who have been granted asylum
- DACA recipients
- Temporary Protected Status holders
- Some humanitarian parolees
- Students authorized to work in the United States under certain programs
- Spouses of some visa holders who qualify for work authorization
Your eligibility for a work permit depends on your underlying immigrant category. It’s important to confirm eligibility before going through the application process. If you have a temporary work visa, you do not need an EAD since your status automatically permits you to work, but you may choose to still apply for an EAD as an easy way to prove your work eligibility.
Form I-765: Using the Employment Authorization Form
Applying for an EAD typically involves filing Form I-765. This employment authorization form requires that you provide your personal identifying information, your Alien Registration number, country or countries of citizenship and nationality, information regarding your last arrival to the United States, information on your eligibility category, an applicant’s statement, and (if applicable) information regarding your interpreter and preparer.
In addition to submitting Form I-765, you may have to include supporting documents. The supporting documents you need depend on your eligibility category and can be found in the form’s instructions.
You will also need to pay the filing fee or request a waiver of the fee. Filing fees range from $260 to $520, depending on whether you apply online or via paper application and your filing category. In addition to the filing fee, some filing categories have additional fees that must be paid. For example, the paroled spouse of a (b)(37) entrepreneur applying for an initial EAD must pay an additional $560 fee.
If USCIS requires you to appear for an interview or biometrics appointment, they will send you information regarding your appointment date. After that, it’s just a matter of waiting for USCIS processing and the agency’s final decision.
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Avoiding a Longer I-765 Processing Time
Delays with EADs are often preventable. Issues that often occur include:
- Selecting the wrong eligibility category on Form I-765
- Submitting inaccurate or outdated supporting documentation
- Submitting at the wrong time
- Receiving Requests for Information after failing to submit necessary documentation
- USCIS I-765 processing time delays (unavoidable).
Even small errors on your form can result in delays that last weeks or months, preventing you from working in the United States.
Renewal and Replacement Procedures
After getting your initial EAD, you have to keep it renewed in order to maintain your legal authorization to work. USCIS recommends filing Form I-765 within six months of the expiration date of your current work permit. Your application should be submitted at least 90 days before the expiration date.
If your EAD is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can request a replacement by filing a new Form I-765 and filing fee (required in some cases, but not all). If your initial EAD never arrives in the mail, you can submit an inquiry to USCIS instead. If you need a replacement card because your EAD contains incorrect information, you have to submit a new Form I-765 and the card with the error.
How Laura Leon Law Can Help
At Laura Leon Law, we’re happy to help people from all eligible immigration categories request work authorization. We can help with:
- Confirming eligibility and the right filing category for your situation
- Preparing and reviewing Form I-765, along with supporting documents
- Monitoring deadlines and renewal timing
- Assisting with Requests for Evidence
- Coordinating EAD filings with other immigration applications
If you need an EAD to work while navigating the immigration process in the United States, we’re here to help. Schedule a time to meet with our team now by calling us at 979-401-2737 or sending us a message online.
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Schedule Your Work Authorization Consultation
Need legal permission to work in the U.S.? Our team helps you apply for an Employment Authorization Card, prepare Form I-765, confirm eligibility, and avoid delays.
Get trusted legal guidance every step of the way. Call 979-401-2737 today to schedule your consultation.
