AnaMaria Rivera Law Firm
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
At AnaMaria Rivera Law Firm, we provide comprehensive assistance to help individuals obtain their Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows immigrants to legally work in the United States while their immigration applications are pending.
The Employment Authorization Document (EAD), commonly known as a work permit, is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and allows foreign nationals to legally work in the U.S. for a specified period. This permit is granted to individuals with pending immigration applications, such as adjustment of status, asylum, TPS, or DACA.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for an EAD if you are in one of the following categories:
Pending Adjustment of Status:
Individuals who have filed an adjustment of status application (Form I-485).
DACA Recipients:
Participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program can apply for an EAD.
TPS Beneficiaries:
Individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) can obtain an EAD for the duration of their status..
Asylum or Refugee Applicants:
Those who have applied for asylum in the U.S. and have waited at least 150 days after filing their application may be eligible for an EAD.
Other Special Categories:
There are other immigration situations where USCIS may issue an EAD, including certain non-immigrant visa programs such as the U visa or VAWA.
Application
Process
- Filing Form I-765:
We complete and file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS along with the required documentation. - Payment of Fees:
You must pay the filing fee, or if eligible, you can request a fee waiver. - Review of Application
USCIS will review your application and verify your eligibility. - Approval and Issuance of EAD
If your application is approved, you will receive your EAD card, allowing you to legally work in the U.S.
Required
Documentation
Completed Form I-765.
Proof of eligibility (notice of pending application such as adjustment of status, TPS, asylum, DACA, etc.).
Copy of valid passport or identification document.
Recent passport-style photographs.
Payment of the filing fee or request for fee waiver (if applicable).- Documentation of any current immigration status.
Completed Form I-765.
Proof of eligibility (notice of pending application such as adjustment of status, TPS, asylum, DACA, etc.).
Copy of valid passport or identification document.
Recent passport-style photographs.
Payment of the filing fee or request for fee waiver (if applicable).
Legal Work Authorization:
The EAD allows immigrants to work legally in the U.S., providing access to job opportunities.
Flexible Duration:
The EAD is generally granted for one or two years, depending on your eligibility category, with the possibility of renewal.
Access to Additional Benefits:
Having an EAD may allow you to obtain other benefits, such as a driver’s license, depending on the state where you live.
Renewal Possibility:
EAD holders can renew their work permit while their immigration application is pending or their status continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Processing times vary, but it generally takes between 2 to 5 months from application submission to approval.
You can apply for a renewal of your EAD before it expires. In many cases, USCIS automatically extends the validity of your EAD for a period while your renewal is in process.
Yes, the EAD allows you to work for any employer in the U.S., and you can change jobs without needing to apply for a new work permit.
