An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is simply what its name implies: a document that authorizes an individual to work in the United States. An EAD is provided to an employer to prove that the individual is authorized to work in the United States. There are several different categories under which immigrants are eligible for an EAD, including but not limited to:
- Certain refugee and asylum categories;
- F-1 students seeking optional practical training in an occupation directly related to studies;
- Certain employment-based nonimmigrant categories, including a spouse of an E-1/E-treaty trader or investor, and a spouse of L-1 intracompany transferee;
- Certain family-based nonimmigrant categories, including a K-1 nonimmigrant fiancé or U.S. citizen or K-2 dependent, and a K-3 nonimmigrant spouse of a U.S. Citizen or K-4 dependent;
- Immigrants who have filed for permanent residence or to adjust status; and
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and consideration of DACAs.
- And now DAPA (Deferred Action Parental Accountability)
This is not an exhaustive list of the eligible categories, but identifies some of the more common categories under which immigrants apply for EADs. There are more than 40 different categories.
EAD Application Process
To apply for an EAD under one of the eligible categories, an applicant must complete and file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The filing fee for Form I-765 is $380, and under limited circumstances, the initial filing fee is not required. The application packet requires a copy of the Form I-94, a copy of the EAD (or government-issued identity document if there is no EAD), and two passport-style color photographs taken within 30 days of filing the application. An EAD application should be processed within 90 days. If it is not processed within this period then the applicant may request interim work authorization.
An EAD card is normally valid for one year; however, if an alien’s status in the United States is shorter than one year, the EAD card will be issued to coincide with the expiration of one’s immigration status. If an EAD expires, one must file for a renewal EAD using the same form. An EAD renewal may not be filed more than 120 days before the expiration of the current EAD.
La administración Obama insinúa un posible aumento en las tarjetas EAD
With the recent midterm elections and the shift to a Republican-controlled Congress, President Barack Obama and his administration have sought to implement significant immigration reform. President Obama’s recent speech signified that his plan will affect nearly five million undocumented immigrants in the United States.
El Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos está solicitando ofertas de proveedores capaces de manejar un escenario de «aumento» en el que se necesitarían producir y emitir nueve millones de tarjetas de identificación en un año, incluyendo tarjetas de residencia permanente y tarjetas EAD. Según el artículo, la solicitud de ofertas «parece indicar que el presidente está contemplando una enorme acción ejecutiva». Parece que el presidente Obama y su administración están implementando una reforma migratoria significativa para aumentar el acceso a las tarjetas EAD.
Póngase en contacto con un abogado de inmigración de Texas
Si tiene alguna inquietud o pregunta sobre inmigración, los abogados de inmigración en San Antonio de Lozano Law Firm pueden guiarlo a través del proceso de inmigración. Nuestros abogados de inmigración brindan servicios legales integrales de inmigración, incluyendo solicitudes de visa tanto para casos basados en la familia como en el empleo. Tenemos oficinas ubicadas en San Antonio y San Angelo. Llame al (210) 899-2290 o al (325) 255-3355 hoy.
