The Employment Authorization Document (EAD full form) is a work permit that provides authorisation to foreign nationals to legally work in the United States for a specified period of time. Issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the EAD card is a temporary visa with the possibility of a renewal (if eligible).
What is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?
An EAD, also known as a work authorization card, is an official plastic card (Form I‑766) issued by USCIS. It serves as legal proof that a non‑citizen is authorised to work in the United States for a designated period.
Importance of an EAD card
The EAD employee authorization card offers numerous benefits, including:
- Authorisation to work: With the EAD card, you get the legal right to work after completing your studies in the USA.
- Transition to Permanent Residency: An EAD can be a stepping stone for those seeking to transition to permanent residency (green card) or other long-term immigration statuses.
- Authorisation to switch jobs: Contrary to the H-1B status type visa that ties you to a single company, EAD card allows you to switch employers and jobs.
- Improved financial security and support: Students with the official work permit can support themselves by earning wages for a better-secured and affordable experience.
Eligibility criteria for EAD card application
The following are some eligibility criteria for EAD Employment Authorization Card application:
- People Applying for a Green Card (Adjustment of Status)
Foreign nationals who have filed for lawful permanent residency can apply for an EAD while waiting for their application to be processed.
- Family Members of Certain Visa Holders
Spouses of E and L visa holders.
Spouses and children of J visa holders.
Fiancés (K-1) and their dependents (K-2).
F-1 students working in Optional Practical Training (OPT) related to their field of study.
F-1 students working off-campus with a qualifying international organization or due to severe economic hardship.
M-1 students seeking practical training after completing their studies.
J-2 dependents (spouse or children of J-1 visa holders).
- Humanitarian and Special Cases
Asylum seekers, refugees and those granted asylum.
People under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Applicants under family unity or suspension of deportation programs.
Victims under U visa, T visa or VAWA protections.
Nationals of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau admitted as citizens of those countries.
- Domestic and Personal Employees
Personal/domestic servants of foreign employers on B, E, F, H, I, J or L visas.
B-1 domestic servants of U.S. citizens.
B-1 employees of foreign airlines.
Difference between EAD & green card
Here are key differences between EAD and green card:
|
Attributes
|
EAD
|
Green Card
|
|
Status
|
Temporary authorisation for work
|
Permanent residence
|
|
Citizenship eligibility
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Duration
|
Renewable and for 1-2 years
|
Commonly for 10 years
|
|
Authorisation for work
|
Work is tied to a specific status
|
Yes
|
|
Sponsorship for family
|
No sponsorship for relatives
|
Sponsorship for spouse and unmarried children
|
|
Travel opportunities
|
Seperate documents required
|
Holder can re-enter U.S.
|
EAD application process for Indians
The application for Employee Authorization Document is as follows:
- Eligibility confirmation: Confirm your eligibility for the EAD card from the USCIS criteria.
- I-765 form filling: Based on the category and status applicable to you, fill out the Employment Authorization application.
- Eligible documents: Gather all necessary documents that support your eligibility, such as I-94, TPS approval and passport pages.
- Filing fee payment: Unless you are exempt from paying it, most applicants need to pay the filing fee based on amounts mentioned on the USCIS website.
- E-filing or mail: If your specific case requires it, you may be required to mail or submit the form online.
- Receive confirmation: After USCIS receives your application, you will get a receipt notice (Form I-797) confirming they are processing your application.
- Wait for processing: The processing time for EAD applications can vary. You can check the USCIS website for current processing times.
- Receive your EAD: If approved, you will receive your EAD card in the mail.
Documents required to apply for an EAD
You’ll require the following documents for EAD application :
- I-94 record copy from US Customs and Border Protection
- Copy of S. Visa
- Copy of passport photo page
- Copy of previous work permit (if any)
- Recent 2-by-2 (inches) passport size photos
- Photo ID
- Birth certificate
- Visa for any other country, other than US
- National ID having photo or fingerprint
- Additional documents to show your F-1 student status.
What are the exceptions from getting an EAD card
The following conditions/categories can provide you an exemption from getting an EAD visa:
- On-campus employment for F-1 students is a category for exemption if:
- It is at an affiliated site.
- With the school in session, employment should be for under 20 hours weekly.
- No displacement occurs for U.S. workers.
- Students on CPT can be exempted if:
- They are students for the complete academic year.
- They have received an employment or training offer.
- They are employed as part of a training that is related to their area of study.
- They should complete the full course.
Conclusion
The EAD and green card are some of the most significant documents for Indians seeking to build a future in the U.S. The long-standing ‘American Dream’ demands hustle, and your travel plans should never stop due to a lack of your insurance policy. Protect your dreams from unexpected accidents with travel insurance online and enjoy peace of mind while travelling.
FAQs
- How long does the EAD card application take?
The EAD card application can take anywhere from 60 to 90 days, depending on your application type and volume of applications to USCIS.
- What are some common mistakes during EAD card application?
You should avoid the common mistakes of filling in the incorrect category code, filing with incomplete documents and renewing your application too close to the expiration date.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.