The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is the document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to prove that the document holder is authorized to work in the United States. It is also called work permit. A U.S. citizen or permanent resident bearing a Green Card does not require an EAD. Only non-immigrant residents on certain visa categories, such as J2 and L2, are required to apply for EAD. Your employer will require EAD card as a proof of your eligibility to work in the country. The application process for an EAD is simple but requires certain documents to be filed.

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Instructions

Filing Through the Mail

1

Open a new web browser. Go to www.uscis.gov. On the right of the page there is a tab that says "Apply for Employment Authorization (Form I-765)." Click on the tab.

2

Download Form I-765 and the instructions for filing Form I-765 from the website.

3

Fill out the form and attach the required documents to the form.

Required documents include:

L2 visa holder I94

L1 visa holder I94

Copy of the previously issued EAD card or copy of the passport (include first and last page).

Marriage certificate

Check for the EAD fees ( $380)

A petition from the employer of the L1 visa holder

2 recent photographs

4

Mail the form to the address given in the instructions by certified mail. After your application is received and reviewed by the USCIS, will be sent a receipt letter along with a case status number.

5

Check your case status by entering the case number in the USCIS website to check for the processing time and your current status.

Filing Online

6

Open a web browser and go to www.uscis.gov. On the right of the page, is a tab "Apply for Employment Authorization (Form I-765)." Click on the tab.

7

Click on the instructions to do E-filing. Follow the instructions.

8

Click on "E-filing Login." You will need to create a user name and password. Once your account is created, log in and fill out the form. There is an additional fee besides the filing fee when applying online. If any error is made, the fee is non-refundable.

9

Mail all the required documentations by certified mail to USCIS after filing the application online. The mailing address depends on your state of residency and is found on the instructions page.

10

Visit the local Application Support Office office for photographing and fingerprinting on the date scheduled by USCIS. The USCIS will notify you of the date in advance.

Tags: Form I-765, Employment Authorization, Apply Employment, Apply Employment Authorization, Authorization Form, Authorization Form I-765