The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that authorizes non-U.S. citizens to work legally in the country for a specified period of time. The EAD is a crucial tool for those who have a nonimmigrant visa or are in the process of adjusting status, as it allows them to work while awaiting a resolution of their immigration status.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Application Requirements
To apply for EAD, applicants must meet the following general requirements:
- Being Eligible for Immigration Status:some text
- The applicant must have an immigration status that permits the application for an EAD, such as asylum applicants, DACA recipients, adjustment of status (Green Card) applicants, nonimmigrant visa holders, among others.
- Form I-765:some text
- The applicant must complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, available on the USCIS website.
- Payment of Fees:some text
- The applicant must pay the appropriate fee for the EAD application. The standard fee for this process is $410 USD, although some categories may be exempt from this fee.
- Support Documentation:some text
- The applicant must provide documents that support his or her eligibility for EAD, such as copies of his or her visa, adjustment of status application, Form I-94, among others.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Application Process
- Completing Form I-765:some text
- The first step is to complete Form I-765, available on the USCIS website. This form asks about the applicant's eligibility, immigration status and other relevant details.
- Gather Supporting Documents:some text
- Be sure to include additional documentation to support your application, such as copies of your passport, visa, Form I-94 or any other documents that USCIS requires to evaluate your case.
- Pay the applicable fee:some text
- Make the appropriate fee payment for the EAD application. If you are applying in a fee exempt category, be sure to include documentation supporting the exemption.
- Submit Application to USCIS:some text
- Once you have completed the form and gathered the necessary documentation, you must submit your application to USCIS. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by USCIS on where to send your application.
- Waiting for the Decision:some text
- Processing time varies, but it generally takes between 2 to 6 months to receive a response. During this time, USCIS will process your application and, if approved, issue your EAD.
- Receiving the EAD:some text
- If your application is approved, USCIS will send your EAD to the address provided. This document will allow you to work legally in the U.S. for the period indicated on the EAD.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Processing Times
The processing time for an EAD can vary depending on the eligibility category, but on average it takes between 2 to 6 months. The applicant can check the status of his or her application online through the USCIS website.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Benefits
- Legal Work in the U.S.:some text
- The EAD allows foreign nationals who are in the U.S. under certain immigration statuses to work legally while waiting for their immigration status to be resolved.
- Flexible Work Permit:some text
- The EAD generally allows you to work for any employer in the U.S. and is not tied to a specific employer, which provides employment flexibility.
- Defined Conditions of Employment:some text
- The EAD has a specific validity period, which allows applicants to work within the approved time frame. If your immigration status changes, you may be able to apply for an extension or renewal of the EAD.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Limitations
- Not a Re-Entry Guarantee:some text
- Although the EAD allows you to work legally, it is not a re-entry permit to the U.S. If you plan to leave the country, you should make sure you have the proper permits to return.
- Limited Validity Period:some text
- The EAD has an expiration date, so it is necessary to apply for a renewal if you wish to continue working after the document expires.
How to hire our services for your visa application?
Before starting the process, we recommend that you schedule a 1-hour immigration consultation with our expert U.S. immigration attorney. During this session, you will resolve your doubts and receive personalized advice about your case.
Exclusive benefit: The cost of the consultation will be applied as an advance to the fees of the application process for this type of visa.
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