Work Authorization
An EAD (Employment Authorization Document) is a work document issued by USCIS that allows the holder to work in the U.S. An EAD is usually valid for 1 year. If you are authorized to work for a specific U.S. employer (you hold a valid work visa), you DO NOT need a separate work authorization.
Nonimmigrant's in many visa categories are eligible to apply for work authorization. If you are planning to work on an EAD, you need the actual EAD card before you can start working, a mere approval notice is not sufficient.
U.S. employers must check to make sure all employees, regardless of citizenship or national origin, are allowed to work in the United States. For more information please follow this link.
Individuals that qualify for Work Authorization (list is not limited):
- Individuals with a pending Adjustment of Status Application
- Asylees and individuals on Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- F-1 students seeking Optical Practical Training
- J-2 Dependants
- Dependants of Diplomatic Employees
- B-1 Domestic Servants
- Spouse of E-1/E-2 Treaty Traders and Investors
- Spouses of L-1 Intra Company Transferees
- K-1/K-2 Dependants (Fiancees' of U.S. Citizen)
- K-3/K-4 Dependants (Spouse of U.S. Citizen)
Please note that H-4 and TD Dependants are not eligible to apply for work authorization.
If you are planning to work based on your EAD and you do not already have a social security number, you need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) before you can work. You should take your EAD and passport with you to the Social Security Administration Office.
EAD Renewals
Eligible persons can apply for EAD renewals. You should apply 4 months before your original EAD expires in order to avoid a break in work status. Please note, you may NOT apply more than 120 days in advance before your EAD expires.
EAD Application was denied
If your application for an Employment Authorization is denied, you will receive a letter from USCIS that will let you know why the application was denied. You will not be allowed to appeal the decision to a higher authority. However, you may submit a motion to reopen/reconsider with the office that made the unfavorable decision.
