By: Jennifer Fabian-Verzosa, Esq.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT (“EAD”), YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE. HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE EAD, STRAIGHT FROM THE DESK OF AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY.

1. Photographs are required, even for renewal applications. You will need to submit 2 identical color photos of yourself taken within 30 days of filing your application. These must be passport-style.                                                                                                                                                                 
2. Not everyone has to pay the filing fee. There is no filing fee if you are filing as an adjustment, refugee, or asylum applicant. There is also no fee if you are requesting a new card due to USCIS error. Before applying, you should check on the USCIS website to determine whether you qualify under one of the categories that does not require a fee.                                                                                                               
3. Your employer cannot accept your EAD Application Receipt as evidence of employment authorization. If you plan on running to Human Resources and giving them a copy of the official receipt that says you just renewed or recently filed an EAD application, I am sorry my friend, but it is not going to help. You need the new card in hand.                                                                                           
4. Renew it as early as you can. Did you know you can renew your EAD as early as 120 days before it expires? According to current processing times, USCIS takes about 3 months (90 days) to process renewal EADs. That means if you give USCIS enough time to process your I-765 application for renewal, you should get your new card before the next one expires.                                                               
5. Some of the criteria required to expedite an EAD request are:

• Severe financial loss to company or person
• Emergency situation
• USCIS error
• Compelling interest of USCIS
• Humanitarian reasons
• National interest situation

Unfortunately, the usual applicant will not fit these categories. Loss of a job is simply not enough. If you think about it, everyone is generally at risk of losing their job once their EAD expires. A lawyer can better help you determine whether you might be eligible for an expedite request. USCIS grants these requests on a case-by-case basis, and it’s very fact-intensive.

Loss of a job is simply not enough. If you think about it, everyone is generally at risk of losing their job once their EAD expires.

 6.And… if your EAD is expiring soon, consult with an immigration attorney regarding expedite requests and your legal options once your EAD expires. Protecting and maintaining your lawful immigration status is essential. You do not want to face the harsh consequences of unauthorized employment. Consider your long-term goals.

7.Once you get your green card, you no longer need an EAD to work!!

Contact our FRIENDLY IMMIGRATION OFFICE for an affordable EAD Consultation-Only Service or more information about the Complete EAD Package (which includes consultation, I-765 application filing, and case monitoring). We conveniently assist clients *nationwide* (and remote packages save you money too)! Learn how here .

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