
An EAD does not give someone the right to enter the U.S. Eligibility to get an EAD is also dependent on the status of your visa. EADs are not given to someone without a visa or other qualifying document authorizing them to be in the U.S. A Green Card grants someone residency in the U.S.
Do I need an EAD with a green card?
The EAD is only for those who have a US nonimmigrant visa. If you have an immigrant visa or Green Card, you do not need an EAD. Your Green Card serves as a work permit and allows you to work. How to Apply for an EAD? To complete the EAD application, there are a few steps which you must follow, as outlined below.
Do you need an EAD to work in the US?
Many visas require the holder to have an EAD first before they are legally allowed to work here. Take note, an EAD does not take the place of a visa. You still need a visa to have the right to live in the U.S.
What is an EAD (non-immigrant visa)?
It is also called a non-immigrant U.S. work permit. Not all visas are like the H1B visas which automatically grants the holder the right to work in the U.S. Many visas require the holder to have an EAD first before they are legally allowed to work here. Take note, an EAD does not take the place of a visa.
What happens if you don’t have an EAD?
With the EAD employers know you have permission to work in the US. If you already have a nonimmigrant visa but do not have an EAD, then any employer will not let you start working. Working without a valid EAD could lead to USCIS revoking your visa or you could get deported. What Are the Requirements for an Employment Authorization Document?

Can you get an EAD card without a visa?
The basics. You'll need to apply for an EAD If you have a nonimmigrant status such as an F-1 or M-1 visa that allows you to be in the U.S., but requires permission from USCIS in order to work.
Does EAD count as visa?
Both, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and a non-immigrant work visa allow the holders to work in the United States, but both documents are not the same. The eligibility requirements for an EAD is different from that of a work visa.
Who is eligible for an EAD?
To be eligible to apply for an EAD, you must be: An application for adjustment of status to permanent resident. A spouse of an E1 treaty trader, E2 treaty investor or L1 intra-company transferee. A spouse or a child of a J1 exchange visitor.
Who is not eligible for EAD?
Foreign nationals who are inside the U.S. in the following statuses are not eligible to apply for EAD: Dependents of H, O, F, M, O, P, Q, and R visa holders. L-2 children of L-1 visa holders.
What type of visa is EAD?
What's an EAD? The general work permit for the US, the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), entitles the holder to work legally in the United States during the period of validity of the EAD. Often married spouses who hold a derived visa (e.g. E-1, E-2, L-2 or J-2 visa) apply for an EAD.
Can I enter U.S. with EAD card?
Students who have an EAD card for post-completion OPT and evidence of either a job or a job offer are allowed to leave and re-enter the U.S. during their OPT period.
Is EAD better than h1b?
EAD, or employment authorization document, is a document issued by USCIS that allows people who already hold a US visa to work legally in the US. The H-1B visa allows a highly qualified individual who holds a job offer from a US company to live and work in the US....Comparison chart.EADH-1BCost$380Approx. $2,0006 more rows
What is difference between EAD and green card?
Green card holders are able to travel freely in and out of the U.S., as well as file petitions for spouses and unmarried children to live in the United States. An EAD card does not offer these benefits. With an EAD card, you need to file for a travel document to get in and out of the country.
How long is an EAD valid for?
one yearAn EAD has a temporary lifespan. Most EADs are valid for one year, but it may differ from case to case. It is important to renew your EAD before it expires if you want to continue working in the U.S.
Why would an EAD be denied?
Reasons for Denial of Work Authorization The first and most common cause of denial is missing, incomplete, or inaccurate information in your Form I-765 submission. For instance, submitting your I-765 after your green card without including the USCIS green card receipt notice will likely result in denial.
Can I work with EAD without SSN?
The social security administration allows for the onboarding of an employee without a SSN, as long as that person is otherwise authorized to work. For example, the person has a valid employment authorization document or a work visa.
How long does it take to get green card after EAD?
Once you receive your work permit from USCIS, it could take anywhere from 5 – 43 months to receive your Green Card depending on your eligibility category and which USCIS office or service center handles your petition.
What is EAD in US visa?
Having an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766/EAD) is one way to prove that you are authorized to work in the United States for a specific time period. To request an EAD, you must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Is EAD considered permanent resident?
However, because it is a permanent status, you can always renew it and continue working and living in the U.S. for as long as you'd like. I contrast, an EAD is issued based on your underlying status in the U.S. If the underlying status ends, your right to work in the U.S. also comes to an end.
What is the difference between work visa and work permit?
The difference between visa and work permit is that visa is a document acquired by an individual to enter a specific country whereas work permit is an employment letter issued by an employer to the employee needed for entering the country.
What is the difference between EAD and H1B?
The EAD is designed for non-resident aliens who are already living temporarily in the US on a non-immigrant visa. The H-1B visa is designed for foreign individuals who hold an offer of employment from a US employer. They must have specialized knowledge and hold at least a bachelor's degree to be eligible.
What is an EAD?
Having an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766/EAD) is one way to prove that you are allowed to work in the United States for a specific time period . To request an EAD, you must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. You will need to apply for an EAD if you:
How to renew an EAD?
Renew an EAD. If you are still eligible for employment authorization but your EAD will be expiring or has expired, you should file for a renewal EAD by submitting a new Form I-765 and filing fee (if required), unless a fee waiver is requested and approved.
What to do if I lost my EAD?
If your EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed, you may request a replacement EAD by filing a new Form I-765 and filing fee (if required), unless a fee waiver is requested and approved. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card. The card containing the error.
What are the requirements for employment authorization?
Are required to apply for permission to work; in other words, you need to request employment authorization itself. For example:#N#You have a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.#N#You have a pending Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.#N#You have a nonimmigrant status that allows you to be in the United States but does not allow you to work in the United States without first seeking permission from USCIS (such as an F-1 or M-1 student). 1 You have a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. 2 You have a pending Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. 3 You have a nonimmigrant status that allows you to be in the United States but does not allow you to work in the United States without first seeking permission from USCIS (such as an F-1 or M-1 student).
What is an asylee, refugee, or U nonimmigrant?
Are authorized to work in the United States because of your immigration status (for example, you are an asylee, refugee, or U nonimmigrant) and need evidence of that employment authorization, or. Are required to apply for permission to work; in other words, you need to request employment authorization itself. For example:
Do NATO personnel have to pay for replacement EAD?
Please note, dependents of certain foreign governments, international organizations, and NATO personnel are not required to pay a fee for a replacement EAD.
What happens if you don't have an EAD?
Working without a valid EAD could lead to USCIS revoking your visa or you could get deported.
How to Apply for an EAD?
To complete the EAD application, there are a few steps which you must follow, as outlined below.
What is an EAD Card?
The EAD card, otherwise known as a work permit, is a document issued by USCIS that grants temporary employment authorization to foreigners in the United States. When you get an approved EAD, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sends you thea card. The card looks like a regular ID card as in the sample below, but gives you permission to legally work in the US
What is the EAD Card Processing Time?
EAD processing usually takes around 60 to 90 days. USCIS will then send a notice whether they approved your EAD or not.
What if the EAD Has Incorrect Information On It?
If USCIS has issued your EAD but it has some incorrect information on it, you can file to have it corrected.
How long is an EAD valid?
After you get your EAD and start working, it is valid usually for 1 year. When the EAD is close to expiring, you must file a renewal within 180 days of it expiry. Depending on the type of visa you have, you can renew the EAD only one time or many times.
What is an EAD license?
The EAD is like a driver’s license for work. When you show your driver’s license, the authorities know you have permission to drive. With the EAD employers know you have permission to work in the US.
What happens if I don't extend my H1B visa?
If you don’t extend your H1B visa and you are working on just your EAD, once your H1B visa lapses, you will only be relying on your I-485. Your I-485 will be your only legal basis for being in the United States. Even if your H1B lapses before your I-485 is approved, you are still authorized to stay in the U.S. ...
What happens if I don't get an I-485?
However, if the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) denies your I-485 for any reason, you will no longer have a valid non-immigrant status to rely on. You will then be “ out of status “. If you are out of status, you still have options to ensure the government doesn’t deport you immediately.
What happens if you are out of H1B status?
If you are out of status, you still have options to ensure the government doesn’t deport you immediately. But your options will be much more limited than if you still have your H1B status (or any other non-immigrant status) to rely on. If you still have your H1B visa status in place, you could just continue your life in the United States uninterrupted while you figure out how to successfully apply for a green card.
What is the advantage of an employment authorization?
One of the most significant advantages of having an Employment Authorization Document is the fact that your employment authorization is unrestricted. As we mentioned before, you can work for any employer in any position anywhere in the U.S. This is an extremely valuable aspect of the EAD.
Can I work for an employer with an EAD?
An EAD authorizes you to work for any employer in any position anywhere in the United States. No employer may reject you purely because you apply with an EAD.
Can I get an I-485 if I am H1B?
Ultimately your decision will be based on a balance of risk and weighing up your options. Here you would want to consider any specific risk factors to your I-485 application, which may increase the possibility of the USCIS rejecting your application. If this is the case, you may be safer sticking with your H1B status for a while. On the other hand, if you believe the chances of your I-485 being approved are high, then you might feel comfortable taking the risk. If you are unsure, you can also consult an immigration attorney. They will help you weigh up your options and make sure you don’t miss any risk factors.
Is it safe to stick with H1B?
If this is the case, you may be safer sticking with your H1B status for a while. On the other hand, if you believe the chances of your I-485 being approved are high, then you might feel comfortable taking the risk. If you are unsure, you can also consult an immigration attorney.
What is an EAD visa?
An EAD is a document that grants its holder this authorization and right. An EAD has a temporary lifespan. Most EADs are valid for one year, but it may differ from case to case.
What is EAD eligibility?
EAD Regulations: Eligibility – EAD is available to non-resident immigrants living in America. Work Restrictions – May take any job they can find in the U.S. Validity Period – The visa status and duration determines the length of an EAD.
What is EAD?
An EAD is a document that grants its holder this authorization and right.
What Are the Time Limits on EAD Cards?
EAD cards are not valid indefinitely. They are issued to be valid for short periods like a year at a time. This ensures that an EAD card won’t be valid beyond the validity of the holder’s visa. It’s important to apply early enough for the renewal of your EAD.
How long do you have to renew your EAD?
Window Period of Renewal. You won’t be able to renew your EAD 180 days before it expires. Wait until there are 120 days left before it expires, and then submit your renewal application.
Is an EAD automatic success?
There are basic categories of people who are eligible for an EAD. Take note an application for an EAD does not mean automatic success even if you are eligible. Different factors can influence the outcome.
Is an EAD card valid for a year?
EAD cards are not valid indefinitely. They are issued to be valid for short periods like a year at a time. This ensures that an EAD card won’t be valid beyond the validity of the holder’s visa. It’s important to apply early enough for the renewal of your EAD.
