Work Permits and Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)

Get your Employment Authorization Document and start working legally in the United States. We handle your EAD application so you do not miss work deadlines or lose income.

What Is an Employment Authorization Document and Who Needs One

An Employment Authorization Document, also called an EAD or work permit, is a card that gives certain non-citizens the legal right to work in the United States. If you are not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, you likely need this card before you can accept a job offer. Working without a valid EAD can cause serious problems for your immigration case.

Many people in the U.S. need an EAD, including people waiting for their green card, people with pending asylum cases, people on certain dependent visas, and people with temporary protected status. The rules around who qualifies can be confusing. Working with an experienced employment authorization lawyer in Arlington, VA helps you file correctly and get your card without delays.

Who Can Apply for a Work Permit in the United States

You may be able to apply for an EAD if your situation matches one of these categories:

You have a pending green card application (Form I-485)
You have an approved asylum case or a pending asylum application
You are the spouse of a visa holder such as an H-1B or L-1 worker
You have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
You are in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status
You have a pending U visa or T visa application

Important Note: Not every immigrant qualifies for a work permit automatically. Your visa category and your current immigration status decide whether you can apply. Some people must wait a certain amount of time before filing. Justin will review your full case before you submit anything to make sure you meet the requirements and file at the right time.

How the EAD Application Process Works

Getting your employment authorization document involves several steps. Here is what the process looks like from start to finish:

1

Review Your Eligibility

Justin checks your visa category, your current status, and any pending applications to confirm you qualify to file Form I-765.

2

Prepare Your Application

Justin gathers your documents, completes Form I-765, and puts together a clean filing package to send to USCIS.

3

Submit to USCIS

Your application goes to the correct USCIS service center. You receive a receipt notice as proof your case is in the system.

4

Biometrics Appointment

USCIS may ask you to go to an application support center to give your fingerprints and photo.

5

Wait For The Decision

USCIS reviews your application. Standard processing can take several months. Premium processing is not available for most EAD categories.

6

Receive Your EAD Card

Once approved, USCIS mails your work permit card. You can use it to start or continue employment legally in the U.S.

Renewing Your Work Permit Before It Expires

Do Not Wait Too Long

Your EAD card has an expiration date printed on the front. If you let it expire, you lose your legal right to work until a new one arrives. USCIS recommends filing your renewal at least 180 days before the expiration date.

Automatic Extension Rules

Some EAD holders qualify for an automatic 180-day extension while their renewal is pending. This rule changed in recent years, and not everyone qualifies. Justin will tell you clearly if your category gets this benefit.

Filing on Time Protects Your Job

Many employers are not familiar with immigration rules. If your work permit expires, your employer must stop your employment even if you have a renewal application in. Getting ahead of the deadline protects your income.

We Track Your Renewal Timeline

We keep close track of your filing dates and remind you when it is time to renew. We handle all the updated paperwork so you do not have to worry about missing an important deadline.

EAD Applications for Adjustment of Status Applicants and DACA Recipients

When you file Form I-485 to adjust your status to permanent resident, you can file Form I-765 and Form I-131 at the same time to get a work permit and travel document together. This combo filing saves you money on government fees and lets you work while your green card is being processed. The waiting period for green card approval can be long, and having an EAD makes sure you can keep earning and living your normal life during that time.

For DACA recipients, the EAD renewal process has its own rules and timelines that are different from other categories. USCIS processing times and policy changes can affect your case. Justin follows DACA policy updates closely so your renewal gets filed at exactly the right time. Losing work authorization as a DACA holder can affect your job, your driver’s license in many states, and your overall stability. Justin works quickly and carefully to keep your paperwork current.

Your Attorney

Working Directly With Justin

Justin Kadich handles every employment authorization case personally at American Dream Immigration. You will never be handed off to a paralegal or assistant to manage your file alone. EAD applications may seem simple, but small mistakes on Form I-765 or missing documents can cause USCIS to send a Request for Evidence, which adds months to your wait time. Justin checks every detail before your application goes out the door. He knows what USCIS looks for and how to build a clean, complete package the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an EAD?

Standard USCIS processing for Form I-765 currently takes between 3 and 7 months depending on your category and the service center. Combo filings with I-485 may take longer. Justin will give you a realistic timeline based on current USCIS processing data.

Can I work while my EAD renewal is pending?

If your renewal was filed on time and your category qualifies, you may get an automatic 180-day extension of your current EAD. Justin will confirm whether your category gets this benefit before you file.

What happens if my EAD expires before the renewal arrives?

If your card expires and you do not qualify for an automatic extension, you must stop working until the new card arrives. This is why filing early matters so much. Justin tracks your deadline and files your renewal with enough time to protect your employment.

How much does it cost to apply for an EAD?

The government filing fee for Form I-765 is currently $520 for most applicants. Some categories are fee-exempt. Justin will tell you the exact fee that applies to your case during your consultation.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for a work permit?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but mistakes on immigration forms can cause delays, denials, or problems with your future applications. Having an attorney review your case before you file protects your record and gives you the best chance of approval.

Start Working Legally in the United States

Waiting without income while your immigration case moves forward is stressful. A valid work permit gives you the ability to support yourself and your family while you wait. Justin Kadich helps people in Arlington and across Virginia file their EAD applications correctly and on time. Book a consultation with Justin to find out if you qualify, what documents you need, and how long the process will take for your specific case.