The Employment Authorization Document (EAD), better known as a work permit, proves that you are allowed to work in the United States for a period of time. You request it from USCIS with Form I-765.
Who can apply
Only people in certain eligibility categories can apply. Some of the most common are:
- People with a pending application to adjust status (green card)
- Asylum applicants, after the required waiting period
- People with Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Certain spouses of visa holders and other specific categories
Your category code goes on the form, so it must match your situation exactly. If you are not sure which category applies to you, that is a legal question for an attorney.
What you usually need
- Completed Form I-765
- Copy of your previous EAD, if you had one, or a government photo ID
- Copy of your I-94 or other proof of your current status
- Proof of your eligibility category, such as a receipt notice
- Two passport-style photos, if filing by mail
- The filing fee, or a fee waiver request when allowed
Filing online or by mail
Many categories can be filed online through a USCIS account, which lets you upload evidence and track your case. Others must be filed by mail to the correct address for your category.
Renewals
You can usually file a renewal up to 180 days before your current card expires. Rules about automatic extensions of work permits have changed recently, so file as early as you are allowed and confirm the current rules on uscis.gov.
Fees
USCIS fees depend on the category and change from time to time. Always check the current fee on uscis.gov/fees before filing.