🪪 How to Apply for a Work Permit (EAD)
Get employment authorization if your immigration category qualifies.
💰
Filing fee applies with reductions for certain protected categories documented
⏱️
Around 60-90 days plus postal times routinely
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📋 Documents you'll need
- Completed employment authorization forms
- Category eligibility evidence
- Two passport photos compliant
- Copy prior cards when replacing
- Appropriate filing fees precise
🪜 Step-by-step
- Verify qualifying category matches situation since work authorization derives underlying positions specifically.
- Complete applications selecting correct category codes aligning circumstances precisely avoiding rejections.
- Prepare photographic identity documents meeting strict dimensions backgrounds printing quality specifications carefully.
- Assemble full packets with evidence demonstrating category entitlements paying exact amounts listed currently.
- Expect biometric appointments possibly then card arrivals roughly two-three months typical cycles presently.
| Estimated cost | Filing fee applies with reductions for certain protected categories documented |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | Around 60-90 days plus postal times routinely |
Note This guide is general information and procedures, fees, and rules can change and vary by state or agency. The official authority is always the relevant government office and its official website. See our Disclaimer.
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Frequently asked questions
Start working immediately upon approval?
Only once physical cards arrive bearing valid expiration dates employers verify formally after.
Renewal timing suggestions?
File well before expiration maximizing continuity without gaps complications experienced later.
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