Talk To A Chicago Immigration Attorney
312-332-2550
Who is Eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?
Looking for A Specific Post? Search Below
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as a work permit, is a critical resource for many immigrants and non-immigrants in the United States. Issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an EAD grants individuals the legal right to work in the country for a specific period. Think of it as the key to accessing employment opportunities when someone is not a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (LPR), or work visa holder. At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, we understand the importance of knowing who is eligible for an EAD and how to obtain one.
What is an EAD, and Why is it Important?
An EAD is a government-issued card that serves as both proof of work authorization and photo identification. For immigrants awaiting changes to their immigration status or navigating legal processes, the ability to obtain an EAD can prevent financial instability and allow them to support themselves and their families while complying with the law.
Unlike a work visa that is often tied to a single employer, the EAD is more flexible. It allows individuals to work for almost any employer, giving them the freedom to pursue job opportunities that best suit their needs and qualifications.
Categories of Individuals Who May Qualify for an EAD
USCIS specifies that applicants must fall into certain categories that permit the issuance of an EAD. Below is a breakdown of these categories:
Pending Adjustment of Status Applicants
- Immigrants in the process of adjusting their status to Green Card (lawful permanent resident) may apply for an EAD. This includes family-based applicants, such as spouses or children of U.S. citizens, and those in employment-based Green Card categories.
- Applying for an EAD alongside Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status application) is common, providing work authorization while applicants await their Green Card approval.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Holders
- Individuals from designated countries experiencing conflict or disaster may qualify for TPS and are eligible to apply for an EAD. This status ensures they can work legally in the U.S. while living here temporarily.
Asylum Seekers
- Those with pending asylum applications can apply for an EAD 150 days after filing their asylum application. Approval often comes after a 180-day waiting period.
- Approved asylees and refugees are also entitled to an EAD.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipients
- Known as «Dreamers,» DACA beneficiaries can apply for an EAD as part of their deferred action protections. It is essential to check for policy updates, as changes in DACA eligibility could affect future applications.
Students Under Certain Visa Categories
- F-1 visa holders may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) work authorization, making them eligible for EADs.
- Students facing severe economic hardship can also apply for work authorization.
Other Exceptions
- K-1 visa holders (fiancés of U.S. citizens).
- Individuals granted withholding of removal or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).
- U visa holders (for victims of certain crimes assisting law enforcement).
How to Determine Eligibility
Understanding whether you qualify for an EAD involves:
- Reviewing USCIS guidelines and Form I-765 instructions.
- Consult with experienced immigration attorneys like Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, to assess your case.
Contact Us For Guidance
Obtaining an EAD can be a pathway to stability and success for immigrants in the U.S. Whether you’re navigating a pending Green Card application, seeking asylum, or pursuing other remedies, it is crucial to understand your options and act quickly to secure employment authorization. Contact our team to receive personalized guidance and begin your application process today.
Lo que dicen nuestras clientas
Calificación de 5 estrellas | Basado en 200+ reseñas de clientes satisfechos en Google
I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
¡Programe una consulta!
Publicidad de abogados. Esta información está diseñada solo para información general. La información presentada no debe interpretarse como asesoramiento legal formal ni como la formación de una relación abogado/cliente. Los resultados y testimonios anteriores no son garantía ni predicción del resultado de su caso, y no deben interpretarse como tales. Los resultados pasados no pueden garantizar el rendimiento futuro. Cualquier resultado en un solo caso no pretende crear una expectativa de resultados similares en asuntos futuros porque cada caso involucra muchos factores diferentes, por lo tanto, los resultados diferirán caso por caso. Al proporcionar información de contacto, los usuarios reconocen y dan su consentimiento explícito para ser contactados a través de los métodos de comunicación proporcionados, incluido SMS. Se pueden aplicar tarifas por mensajes y datos. La frecuencia de los mensajes puede variar. Responda STOP para optar por no participar.
NUVEW | Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Notice | privacy policy