EAD stands for Employment Authorization Document — the official USCIS document (Form I-766) that authorizes a non-US citizen to legally work in the United States. An EAD is a credit-card-sized card that proves the holder has been granted work authorization. It is also sometimes called a 'work permit.' Without a valid EAD (or other work authorization such as an H-1B visa or green card), a non-citizen may not legally work in the US.

Who gets an EAD card?

EAD cards are issued to many immigration status holders who are not automatically work-authorized. The most common recipients are: H-4 spouses of H-1B holders with approved I-140s, people with pending green card applications (I-485), asylees, refugees, TPS holders, DACA recipients, and certain other status holders. Notably, H-1B and L-1 visa holders do NOT need an EAD — their visa status itself authorizes work for a specific employer.

What is the difference between an EAD and a work visa?

A work visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.) is a nonimmigrant status tied to a specific employer and job. An EAD is a standalone Employment Authorization Document that grants open work authorization — you can work for any employer in any job. EAD holders are generally not tied to a specific employer (except in limited cases), while most work visa holders are. EADs also have expiration dates and must be renewed; a green card is permanent work authorization that doesn't expire.

How long is an EAD valid?

EAD validity varies by category. Most EADs are issued for 1–2 years. H-4 EADs are typically issued for the same period as the H-1B's remaining authorized stay. Adjustment-of-status EADs (category (c)(9)) are typically 2 years. DACA EADs are 2 years. TPS EADs are issued for the TPS designation period. You must renew before expiry — file Form I-765 up to 180 days in advance. USCIS's 540-day automatic extension applies to many EAD renewals filed before expiry.

What is the EAD category code on my card?

Your EAD card shows a category code that identifies the legal basis for your work authorization. Common codes: (a)(18) = H-4 EAD; (c)(9) = pending adjustment of status (I-485); (c)(26) = DACA; (a)(3) = refugee; (a)(5) = asylee. Employers may ask to see this category — it's printed on the front of your EAD card. The code determines how USCIS processes renewals and extensions.

Can I work anywhere with an EAD?

Most EADs grant open market authorization — you can work for any employer, in any job, with any number of employers, including self-employment. However, your underlying immigration status (not just the EAD) must remain valid. For example, an H-4 EAD allows any employment, but if your H-4 status expires, the EAD becomes invalid even if it hasn't physically expired. Always keep both your underlying status and your EAD current.

What form do I use to apply for an EAD?

Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) is the form used to apply for, renew, or replace an EAD. The filing fee is currently $520 for most categories. Some categories (asylum-based, pending asylum applicants) are fee-exempt. File at the USCIS lockbox facility designated for your category — check the I-765 instructions for the correct mailing address, as it varies by EAD category.

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EAD Meaning: What Is an Employment Authorization Document?

EAD stands for Employment Authorization Document — the USCIS-issued work permit (Form I-766) that allows a non-US citizen to legally work in the United States. It is not a visa, not a green card, but a standalone authorization that must be kept current.

Quick answer: EAD = Employment Authorization Document = US work permit. Apply with Form I-765 ($520 fee). Common recipients: H-4 spouses, pending I-485 applicants, DACA, refugees. Open market — work for any employer. Must be renewed before it expires.

What Does EAD Stand For?

EAD stands for Employment Authorization Document. It is also called a work permit. USCIS Form I-766 is the physical card — it looks like a credit card, with your photo, name, alien registration number (A-number), EAD category code, and expiration date. It is one of the documents employers use in Form I-9 employment eligibility verification.

Not all non-citizens need an EAD. H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, and other work visa holders are authorized to work based on their visa status — they don't have (or need) a separate EAD card. EADs are for status categories that are not inherently work-authorized, such as H-4 dependents, pending green card applicants, and DACA recipients.

Common EAD Categories

Category Code	Description	Who It Applies To
(a)(3)	Refugee	Refugee status
(a)(5)	Asylee	Granted asylum
(a)(12)	Temporary Protected Status (TPS)	TPS granted country
(a)(17)	VAWA self-petitioner with approved I-360	Pending I-485
(a)(18)	H-4 EAD	H-4 spouse of H-1B with approved I-140 or AC21 extension
(c)(9)	Adjustment of status applicant	Pending I-485 (most common — used by EB and family-based green card applicants)
(c)(10)	Withholding of deportation/removal	Pending withholding case
(c)(26)	DACA	Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
(c)(35)	H-4 EAD (alternate code)	May appear on some EAD cards

Source: 8 C.F.R. § 274a.12 — Classes of aliens authorized to accept employment.

EAD vs Green Card vs Work Visa: Key Differences

Feature	EAD (Work Permit)	Green Card (LPR)	H-1B Work Visa
Employer tied?	No — open market	No — open market	Yes — specific employer
Self-employment?	Yes (most categories)	Yes	No
Expires?	Yes — must renew	Renew at 10 years	Yes — tied to status
Path to green card?	No (it's a step, not destination)	IS the green card	Yes, via sponsorship
Issued by	USCIS (Form I-766)	USCIS (Form I-551)	CBP/USCIS

Frequently Asked Questions

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Authority Sources

Sumit Patel

SMIEEE · FBCS · FIETE | 16+ years data engineering | 30+ peer-reviewed papers

Built H1BVisaJobs.com on 10 GB+ of DOL LCA disclosure data. EAD information sourced from USCIS regulations and Form I-765 instructions. Read full bio →