We can help you obtain an Employment Authorization
in the United States
If you plan on working in the United States, you may need an employment authorization document.
Non-citizens in the US can file Form I-765 to request employment authorization. However, understanding the requirements for obtaining employment authorization can be confusing.
Help is available for your employment authorization needs. Keep reading to learn more or contact the immigration law experts at N400 Harbor Immigration Law to discuss your situation.
Table of Contents
What is an Employment Authorization?
Depending on your immigration status, you may qualify for employment authorization. Those who qualify can file Form I-765, which is the Application for Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Qualifying applicants receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The EAD verifies your right to work in the United States.
You can show it to any employer that requires proof of your eligibility to work.
The form needed to obtain an EAD includes multiple pages and dozens of questions. You can fill out the form yourself or allow an interpreter to complete the form.
The application and all supporting documents are reviewed by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security.
The form is used to receive permission to accept employment, replace missing EAD cards, and renew previous permission.
Who Needs Employment Authorization?
An EAD card is needed for certain immigrants who want to work in the US. Permanent residents and nonimmigrants authorized for employment with specific employers do not require an EAD.
Some of the categories of immigrants who require EAD to work include:
- Asylees and refugees
- Temporary protected status (TPS)
- Deferred enforced departure (DED)
- Citizens of Palau, Micronesia, or the Marshall Islands
- Certain citizens of Nicaragua
- Foreign students seeking optional practical training (OPT)
- Eligible dependents of foreign employees
These are just a few of the categories of immigrants who qualify for employment in the US. No matter the category, you need to provide proof of your immigration status when submitting Form I-765.
How to Apply for Employment Authorization
Applying for an employment authorization document (EAD) involves several steps, including:
- Determining your eligibility for employment
- Finding the filing location for your form
- Preparing the filing fee
- Gathering the required forms
Some immigrants may find it challenging to understand the application process. Working with an immigration lawyer is a recommended step. The team at N400 Harbor Immigration Law can review your immigration status to determine eligibility.
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Step 1: Determining Your Eligibility for Employment
You can submit Form I-765 if you belong to one of the eligible immigrant categories. Some categories include employment authorization, while others require special permission.
For example, refugees and asylees automatically receive authorization to work after obtaining their immigration status. Form I-765 allows them to apply for an EAD card as proof of their authorization.
Other categories require approval to work. If you are a parolee or an immigrant with deferred action, you need to submit Form I-765 to receive approval for work authorization.
The authorization form includes 19 different immigration status categories. Some of these categories include numerous sub-categories, which increases the challenge of determining your eligibility.
This is another reason to consider working with the immigration attorneys at N400 Harbor Immigration Law.
Step 2: Finding the Filing Location for Your Form
The filing location depends on your eligibility category. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) maintain offices throughout the country, including several locations in Texas.
If you mail the form and documents to the wrong address, the facility will forward your package to the correct location. However, you are likely to experience delays if the forms need to be resent to another location.
Carefully review the filing addresses for Form I-765 before placing the documents in the mail.
Step 3: Preparing the Filing Fee for Form I-765
The base filing fee is $410. The USCIS also charges an $85 fee for biometric services for certain eligibility categories. Some filers may also be exempt from paying the filing fee.
An immigrant attorney can help determine whether you qualify for a waiver of the filing fee. For example, in most cases, those requesting consideration for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) need to pay the base filing fee.
Step 4: Gathering Required Forms and Evidence
The application form requires you to submit several supporting documents. The documents provide evidence of your immigration status and right to work in the United States.
Some of the general documents that you need include:
- Copy of Form I-94
- Copy of Arrival/Departure Record
- Copies of your passport and travel documents
- Two identical photographs (passport-style photos)
- A copy of government-issued identity documents
Those represented by an attorney also need to include Form G-28. This form establishes the attorney’s eligibility to represent your interests when submitting Form I-765.
You must also include documents that verify your immigration status. For example, a refugee should receive a notice of eligibility for resettlement. Certain immigrants may also receive Form I-797, which is a notice of action approving or granting specific immigration status.
Why Receive Help Filing for Employment Authorization?
Working with an immigration attorney can simplify the process of applying for employment authorization. The application form includes dozens of questions.
A single wrong answer may disqualify you from obtaining authorization to work in the US. Luckily, help is available.
Receiving guidance during the application process may help:
- Decrease the risk of errors and mistakes
- Prevent issues that result in delays
- Increase your chances of receiving authorization
- Eliminate the stress of filing Form I-765
At N400 Harbor Immigration Law, we have a vast amount of experience helping immigrants obtain EAD cards. We have completed the form many times and know which documents you need to verify your eligibility.
We can walk you through each step and fully explain your rights and options. Receiving an EAD card is necessary for most immigrants who plan to work in the United States. Contact us today to review and submit your application.
