For more information about these fees, please visit our Fee Schedule page and our web alert. An EAD is a temporary work authorization, whereas a Green Card grants permanent resident status with the right to live and work indefinitely in the U.S. If you travel abroad, you can use your Green Card in conjunction with your passport to re-enter America.
Asylees and refugees have the right to work in the U.S. as a part of their protected status, but obtaining an EAD can help them demonstrate their work authorization to potential employers. If you’re submitting a renewal and your EAD expires before you reapply, you shouldn’t work while the new I-765 is pending. The automatic EAD extension only covers renewals submitted before your current EAD expires.
Can I Work in the U.S. Without an EAD?
- You can get a replacement EAD if your card was stolen, lost, or destroyed.
- Additionally, there may be an extra charge of $85 if you need to have your biometrics taken as part of the application process.
- An EAD is a temporary work authorization, whereas a Green Card grants permanent resident status with the right to live and work indefinitely in the U.S.
- If you are an asylee, you do not need to apply for work authorization.
- To renew your EAD, you must submit a new Form I-765 and the required supporting documents before your current EAD expires.
- To request a fee waiver, you must submit Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, along with your Form I-765.
Work Permits are typically valid for one or two years, depending on the applicant’s eligibility category. To renew your EAD, you must submit a new Form I-765 and the required supporting documents before your current EAD expires. Many noncitizens come to the United States to work, but you need authorization to legally do so. For some—but not all—immigrants, Form I-765 is the way to obtain permission from the U.S. government to work in the country. In general, only noncitizens whose immigration status doesn’t already include employment authorization should use the form. You do not need to apply for an EAD if you are a lawful permanent resident.
- If you are an Afghan national paroled into the United States and you are applying for employment authorization, you will need a Social Security number (SSN) to work in the United States.
- Other aliens whose immigration status authorizes them to work in the United States without restrictions may also use Form I-765 to apply for an EAD that shows such authorization.
- After we approve the underlying application for derivative T nonimmigrant status, we will not issue you an EAD.
- You may file online or send your application by mail to the appropriate USCIS location based on your underlying category.
How much does it cost to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for Adjustment of Status applicants?
You can search for a new job and continue working without any additional authorization, as long as the new job aligns with your EAD eligibility category. However, if your EAD is tied to a specific employer (e.g., based on an H-1B or L-1 visa), you must obtain a new EAD or change your immigration status before starting a new job. To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged EAD, you must submit a new Form I-765, along with the required supporting documents and filing fees. In your application, explain the reason for requesting a replacement and provide any relevant documentation (e.g., a police report for a stolen EAD).
This document is given to U.S. immigrants whose immigration status legally allows them to work. They look similar to a state-issued ID card, showing your photo, date of birth, and a validity period. Here are examples of the two most recently issued employment authorization cards. It is granted to eligible non-citizens who fall under specific immigration categories, providing them with the opportunity to support themselves and their families financially while they reside in the country.
Pay the Filing Fee for Your EAD Application
Submit your new paper Form I-589 with your current address using the chart in the “Where to File” section of the Form I-589 page. After we approve a Form I-765, your EAD card should be produced within 2 weeks. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
If you are an asylee, you do not need to apply for work authorization. When you are granted asylum, you are immediately authorized to work. Once your asylum application is approved, USCIS will issue an EAD. They are issued to be valid for short periods like a year at a time.
Applying for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is the first step for non-citizens of the United States who need to obtain legal permission to work. Obtaining this work permit is necessary for individuals in the country on a visa category that doesn’t explicitly allow them to find employment. The process is similar for all visa categories, although some may have some unique nuances. The back of the EAD card may include more details, such as the card’s security features, including a hologram or other security markings to prevent fraud.
Incorrect Category on Form I-765
Mail the completed Form I-765, your supporting documents, and the processing fee to the correct USCIS address based on your location. If your current EAD is expiring, you should file for renewal as early as 180 days before the expiration date. In some cases, USCIS automatically extends your current EAD while the renewal is pending—but only for specific categories. Processing times vary based on the category and current USCIS backlog, but you can check estimated times on the USCIS processing time tool. You must have valid proof of your work authorization in order to work in the U.S. If your employment authorization document is expiring and you need to renew it, you should do so between three and six months before it expires.
What happens if I lose my job while on an EAD?
If you encounter difficulties or delays or if your EAD application is denied, seeking professional help can make a significant difference. VisaNation Law Group offers expert guidance and can help streamline your application process, ensuring you meet all the requirements and avoid costly mistakes. For any of these options, you must have enough evidence to support your claim. You must, however, know that it is still within the right of the Administrative Appeals Office to uphold or reverse the earlier decision. This is why it is crucial to carefully avoid any error that may lead to denial when applying for your EAD. The USCIS will send you a message to let you know that your application has been received.
File the I-765 application for employment authorization
And you do not have to work in any specific trade or profession. To work in the United States, you generally must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, an asylee, or have a work permit. The appropriate fee must accompany any renewal applications filed under category (c)(8).
In addition, if you’re a noncitizen with an approved employment-based immigrant visa petition and currently hold valid E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, O-1, or L-1 status, you may use Form I-765 to request an EAD. You must convince USCIS you’re facing compelling circumstances that justify you beginning to work sooner. Your dependents, including spouses and unmarried children, can also apply for an EAD based on compelling circumstances. EAD processing times can vary depending on the office you’ve sent everything to and their current caseload. The average wait time for a decision from USCIS is typically about three months. Choosing the wrong eligibility category can lead to delays or denials.
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However, rest assured that our editorial content and opinions remain unbiased and independent. These affiliate earnings support the maintenance and operation of this website. Certain visa holders, like H-1B or L-1 visa holders, can work without an EAD.
An EAD does not directly impact your adjustment of status application for a Green Card (Form I-485). It merely grants you the authorization to work while your adjustment application is pending. When submitting your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, you have the option to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) concurrently. To do this, you must answer “Yes” to the questions in Part 2, Item Numbers 27.a to 29 of Form I-765, which pertain to applying for an SSN and issuing a Social Security card.
USCIS provides a checklist of complete documentation to include with individual filing categories. You must also include a filing fee (currently $410) unless you qualify for and request a fee waiver. You can’t request a fee waiver if you’re requesting an EAD based on DACA status. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is a form noncitizens submit to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request permission to work legally in the U.S.
With an EAD, you can generally change jobs or employers without any restrictions, as long as your new job is consistent with your EAD eligibility category. However, if your EAD is restricted to a specific employer (e.g., based on an H-1B or L-1 visa), you must obtain a new EAD or change your immigration status before changing employers. By understanding these common issues and their solutions, you can better prepare for the EAD application process and address any challenges that may arise. If you encounter a complex issue or need legal advice, it is always recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney.
An EAD is an extension that you request when it is about to expire. EAD replacement occurs when you lose your card or it is damaged, or destroyed. Unfortunately, you will need to file a new Form I-765 and filing fee (if required), unless a employment authorization fee waiver is requested and approved. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry to USCIS for non-delivery of a card.
Go to the USCIS website and download Form I-765 after you’ve determined that you are eligible to work in the United States. Double-check all your answers and information to ensure accuracy. If filing using a dropbox, you must fill out a G-1145 E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance and attach it to the first page of your I-765 if you want to receive updates on the processing status.
