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

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:

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

EAD photo requirements

A photo for a U.S. World Summit photo must meet the following standards:

Here is an example:

US Employment Authorization photo

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.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID.
Additional options
Upload photo & Continue

Source

Source photo example that you need to take in order to make a passport or visa photo at visafoto.com

Result

Result example: a correct visa or passport photo that you will receive

First, take an original photo like this one:

Passport photo original source

You will get 2 types of an image:

Here they are:

Example of a US Employment Authorization photo
US Employment Authorization photos for printing

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:

Last update: May 2023

Install Visafoto (7ID app) on your phone!

Passport photos, visa photos and ID photos. QR code storage, PIN code storage, signature file maker.

Download 7ID App for iOS   Download 7ID App for Android

7ID Website with more information >

© 2014-2024 Visafoto.com | Get photo | Requirements | Contacts | Refund policy | Shipping policy | Terms of Service | Privacy policy
Photographer's guide | Other languages | Blog | Visafoto Reviews | Visafoto Prices | Is Visafoto Legitimate? | Visafoto Free Alternative | The Diversity Visa Lottery 2025 Dates: A Time Guide | Free Green Card Lottery photo checker | DV Lottery photo | US Photo Tool problems | 2x2 inches photo | US passport photo | US visa photo | Photo 1x1 inch | Passport size photo | Bangladesh passport photo size | Passport photo background editor | 35x45 mm photo | 4x6 cm photo | Error: Your photo does not need cropping | DV Lottery photo errors | Passport photo with blue background | 3x4 cm photo | Malaysia passport photo size | Canada Visa Photo | US visa types | Emirates passport photo | Printing passport photo | Baby passport photo | Singapore visa photo | Saudi Arabia visa photo | DS-160 Form | Promocode | DV Program: photo, help, form, Q&A, blog. Free!