What is a work permit (I-765) Employment Authorization?

What is a work permit (I-765) Employment Authorization? 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. must ensure that all company employees have the legal right to work in the US.

What is a work permit (I-765) Employment Authorization?

According to USCIS rules, to request an EAD, you must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. You will need to apply for an EAD if you:

• Are authorized to work in the United States because of your immigration status or circumstances (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:
• You have a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
• You have a pending Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal;
• 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);

Keep in mind, you do not need to apply for an EAD if you are a lawful permanent resident. Your Green Card (Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card) is evidence of your employment authorization. You also do not need to apply for an EAD if you have a nonimmigrant visa that authorizes you to work for a specific employer (for example, you have an H-1B, L-1B, O, or P visa).

What documents do I need to renew my EAD card?

Basically, you must 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?

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.

Applying for an EAD is a relatively easy process. Your Form I-765 will be processed much sooner than your Green Card, so your ability to work can be expedited while you go through the long green card process.

Who Does Not Need to File Form I-765?

There are some immigrants who do not need to apply for an employment authorization document because their green cards or nonimmigrant visas have automatic authorization.

The following nonimmigrant visas already authorize you to work for a specific employer, thus you do not need to apply for an EAD:

• H-1B, professional workers visa;
• L-1B, intracompany transferees with specialized knowledge;
• visas, individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement;
• P visas, for athletes, artists, and entertainers;

If you have questions on who may file form I-765, Wizard Visa can help you figure out if you need an EAD. Contact us!

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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Related Link: Employment Authorization Document.