How to Renew my Employment Authorization Card (EAD)?

The legal system concerning the working rights of immigrants continually changing, for this reason, if you wish to work in U.S., you must know all about how to renew your Employment Authorization Card (EAD).

What Is Employment Authorization (EAD)?

The Employment Authorization Document (EAD), consists of a necessary document for getting employment authorization in the U.S.

With this document that you are given the legal right to get a work permit in the U.S.

Any employer in the U.S. has to ensure that all company employees have the legal right to work in the US.

How to Renew my Employment Authorization Card?

You need to apply for renewal either before or after your existing EAD has expired.

Remind you cannot start the EAD renewal application process sooner than 180 days of the expiration of the current document.

The only difference between the steps you had to follow when you first applied, is the fact that you have to show a copy of your former authorization. The copy should be both front and back.

In general, the renewal process is through submitting Form I-765 and payment for a filing fee.

Gold tip: Make your life easier and start everything early, as opposed to leaving it at the last minute.

We recommend you start at least 90 days before the date of expiration.

You must pay for the EAD renewal process, the cost to renew your work authorization is $410.00 and in some cases such as eligibility categories (C) (33), (C) (35), (C) (36) and (C) (37) you must pay an $85.00 Biometric Fee.

Once you finish with the application process, you have to wait to get the new card.

Tracking your EAD

You can request tracking information from the customer service department at USCIS.

If USCIS doesn’t make a final decision regarding your application within the specified time you can request an Interim EAD Card valid for 240 days in the USCIS local office but make an appointment before.

We recommend you show your Receipt Notice indicating that your application has a pending status for over 90 days.

How Long is the EAD Valid?

An EAD is valid for 1 year. Some applicants for an EAD as part of their adjustment of status will receive a document that is valid for up to 2 years.

If you are residing in the United States for a longer period and working legally will need to renew your work permit each and every year or will need to take a vacation from any income-paying job.

Applicants can file for a renewal permit as early as 180 days before their current work permit expires.

How Long Does It Take for EAD Renewal?

Your EAD renewal application will take around 60-90 days to process.

If your employer permits, you may continue working while your replacement application is being processed.

What Happens if my EAD Expires?

When your EAD has expired you must apply for EAD renewal and this process is very similar to the previous steps you followed when you first applied.

The first step is to make sure you are still eligible to do so.

Usually, Employment Authorization Card (EAD) is valid for a two-year period or less.

What documents do I need to renew my EAD card?

Basically, you have to complete a form and attached the following documents:

• Copy of your former EAD;
• Copy of your Form I-94;
• Two passport-sized photos, taken roughly 30 days prior to applying

How much is the fee for EAD renewal?

As we said before, the cost to renew your work authorization is $410.00.

People in the following categories do not need to pay a filing fee:

• Citizens of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, or Palau;
• People granted withholding of deportation;
• Dependents of certain foreign governments, international organizations, or NATO personnel;
• Applicants for adjustment of status (filing fee required, but no biometrics services fee) who applied after July 30, 2007.

Replacement EAD Card Processing Time

You may replace your Employment Authorization Document if your document is lost, stolen, or destroyed.

File a new Form I-765 and select the “replacement” option and wait 60-90 days to receive it.

Do you need renew your EAD or another immigration service? Contact Us! Wizard Visa helps you get your application done faster. Ready to start?

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