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For individuals who qualify for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — pending adjustment applicants, spouses of certain visa holders, asylum seekers, students on OPT, and more. We help applicants prepare a clean, complete Form I-765 and avoid costly delays.
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is the physical card issued by USCIS that proves a foreign national is legally allowed to work in the United States. It is obtained by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and is available to individuals in many immigration situations — not only employment-based cases.
Common EAD applicants include adjustment of status applicants with a pending I-485, spouses of certain visa holders (such as L-2 and qualifying H-4), asylum and refugee applicants, DACA recipients, students applying for OPT or STEM OPT, and others. A clean, carefully filed I-765 matters — small errors can push back your ability to start work by months, and in some categories qualifying applicants are eligible for automatic extensions that keep their EAD valid while a renewal is pending.
"Work authorization is often the difference between waiting and living — we make sure the I-765 is filed clean, complete, and on time."
Understanding the right category code, the filing process, and extension rules is what separates a smooth EAD case from a delayed one.
Each EAD applicant files under a specific category code — (c)(9) for pending I-485, (c)(8) for asylum, (c)(3) for students, (a)(18) for L-2, and many more. Picking the right code is critical.
The core form used to request an EAD. Requires supporting evidence that matches the chosen category, identification documents, passport photos, and the filing fee (where applicable).
Certain EAD categories qualify for an automatic extension of up to 540 days when a timely renewal is filed — helping workers avoid employment gaps while USCIS processes the renewal.
Eligibility for an EAD depends on the applicant's immigration category. Below are the most common groups that qualify to apply for work authorization.
Applicants with a pending Form I-485 may request an EAD under category (c)(9) while their green card case is processed.
Asylum seekers meeting the required waiting period and granted refugees or asylees may apply for employment authorization.
F-1 students may apply for pre-completion OPT, post-completion OPT, and qualifying STEM OPT extensions.
L-2 spouses, qualifying H-4 spouses, E spouses, and others may be eligible for an EAD based on their status.
Individuals granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) may apply for an EAD under category (c)(33).
Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries may apply for or renew an EAD during the designated country period.
Victims of qualifying crimes (U visa) and human trafficking (T visa) may be eligible for employment authorization.
Every I-765 must include identity documents, passport-style photos, proof of eligibility, and correct fee — or a qualifying fee waiver.
From strategy to submission, every EAD case we support follows the same structured, rigorous framework.
Start Your CaseWe review your current immigration status, determine which EAD category code fits, and confirm eligibility for both the initial EAD and any available auto-extension.
We build a complete checklist for the category — identity documents, status evidence, prior EADs, I-94, photos, and any supporting letters or approval notices needed.
We prepare Form I-765, verify the correct category code, confirm fee and photo requirements, and review the package end-to-end before submission.
We coordinate filing, monitor receipt and biometrics notices, respond to any RFEs, and track renewal timing so the auto-extension window is used correctly.
Ready to explore your work authorization options? Our team provides structured guidance and clear next steps — reach out and we'll respond within 48 hours.
Define your goals and identify areas where we can add value to your case.
