USA Work Permit: The Ultimate EAD Guide
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is an official work permit for non-US citizens. If you are not a permanent resident and do not have a Green Card, the EAD is the easiest way to demonstrate that you are authorized to work in the United States.
Table of contents
- EAD requirements
- How to apply for EAD?
- Documents required for EAD application
- EAD Application Fee
- EAD Renewal
- Documents required for EAD extension
- EAD photo requirements
- How to take an EAD Card photo online?
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the Employment Authorization Document card application process, guiding you through the essential steps and addressing common questions and concerns that applicants may encounter.
EAD requirements and rules
You will definitely need to get an EAD as proof of eligibility to work if you fall into the following categories:
- Refugees and asylum seekers. If so, you can request a work permit 150 days after the immigration office receives your Form I-589.
- International students who want to do an internship in their specialty (OPT): F-1 students who have completed their studies and are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) may apply for an EAD card to work in a field related to their specialty.
- Adjustment of status applicants: foreigners applying for lawful permanent resident status (Green Card) through adjustment of status may get an EAD card to work while their application is pending.
- Family members of employees with work visas: dependents of certain visa holders, such as H-1B, L-1, E-1/E-2, and O-1 visa holders, may be eligible for an American work permit.
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries
If you already have a Green Card or a work visa of any category, you do not need a separate EAD.
How to apply for EAD?
To request an EAD, complete Form I-765 available on the USCIS website. And at this link, you will find a list of addresses to which you can send your application.
While your application is pending, you must stay in the U.S. unless you must leave the country for compelling reasons. USCIS will notify you when they need to take your fingerprints and photographs. If you do not visit the designated USCIS office on time, your EAD application will be rejected.
Documents required for EAD application
Along with a Form I-765, you must provide documentation of your reasons for filing the application. Try to get at least 2 affidavits from other people familiar with your case. Without documentation, USCIS will deny your application and will not refund the application fee.
The list of EAD required documents varies from case to case. The most detailed information is provided at this link.
EAD application costs
Form I-765 applicants must pay a $410 processing fee. However, depending on your category, USCIS may also require an additional fee of $85 for photography, fingerprinting, and signature.
EAD Renewal
The U.S. Work Permit is valid for one year. You may apply for an extension for another year 90 days before the expiration date. To do this, you must fill out Form I-765 once again. If your work permit (EAD) is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you must also file a new Form I-765 and pay a processing fee. The EAD renewal fee is automatically waived for employees of certain foreign governments, international organizations, and NATO personnel.
If your work permit (EAD) is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must also file a new Form I-765 and pay a processing fee. The EAD renewal fee is automatically waived for employees of certain foreign governments, international organizations, and NATO personnel.
Documents required for EAD extension
- A copy of your expired work permit;
- Proof from USCIS that you are eligible to work;
- Proof from USCIS that you have applied for a Green Card, if applicable to your case;
- 2 passport-sized photos.
EAD photo requirements
A photo for a U.S. World Summit photo must meet the following standards:
- The photo must be made within 30 days of your application. Don’t submit any of your previous visa or passport photos!
- The EAD picture must be in color;
- The EAD photo size must be 2x2”;
- The head size should be between 1 and 1 ⅜ inches. The head must be centered;
- The applicant must keep a neutral facial expression with eyes open and look directly into the camera;
- The EAD photo background must be plain white;
- Eyeglasses are not allowed (including prescription ones);
- The portrait must be taken in full-face view directly facing the camera;
- Wearing a uniform is not allowed;
- Headwear is allowed only if worn for religious purposes and doesn’t cast any shadows on the face;
- On the back of each photo, there must be written your full name, date of birth, I-94 record number, and SEVIS ID [you can find it on I-20 above bar code; and ID begins with “N000...”].
Here is an example:
How to take an EAD Card photo online?
To instantly get a photo for the U.S. work permit, just upload any of your full-face portraits here. Visafoto will instantly edit the background, format, and image quality. Visafoto will instantly edit the background, format, and image quality.
Source
Result
First, take an original photo like this one:
You will get 2 types of an image:
- A digital US passport-sized photo for online submission;
- A template with 4 separate pics you can print for less than $0.50 in the nearest pharmacy.
Here they are:
Use Visafoto to take photos of all sizes for all ID documents worldwide. If any questions arise, just contact our 24/7 support.
How long does it take to issue an Employment Authorization Document?
It usually takes up to 90 days to process an application for an EAD. However, the waiting time can vary depending on various factors, including the specific eligibility category, the current workload at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and any external factors. USCIS provides estimated processing times for different types of applications on its website, but this information is subject to change.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date waiting time for EAD applications, it is recommended to visit the USCIS website's "Check Processing Times" tool and select the appropriate form or category related to your application.
Additionally, USCIS offers a premium processing service for specific EAD categories, which allows for faster processing within 15 calendar days for an additional fee. This service is available only for certain employment-based types.
US work permit benefits and rules
Here are some essential rules associated with the EAD card in the United States:
- Validity Period: The EAD card is typically issued with a specific validity period, indicating the time the cardholder is authorized to work in the United States. The validity period varies depending on the immigration status and circumstances.
- Employer and Job Restrictions: EAD holders are typically free to work for a wide range of employers in the United States. However, F-1 students who possess an EAD solely based on a STEM-OPT extension are restricted to working for employers who have enrolled in E-Verify. While these students may be able to work for multiple employers, each employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.
- Authorized Work Only: The EAD card grants authorization for employment purposes only. It does not provide any immigration status.
- Compliance with Employment Laws: EAD cardholders, like any other workers in the United States, are required to comply with federal and state employment laws, including tax regulations and workplace safety standards.
Last update: May 2023
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