An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a work authorization issued through the Department of Homeland Security. It permits non-U.S. citizens, such as visitors or students on an F1 (student) visa, to work in the the United States for a set period of time. According to the Department of Homeland Security office, "You cannot file for a renewal EAD more than 120 days before your original EAD expires." You may renew the work authorization online or by mail. Before renewing the EAD online, exemptions may apply.

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Things You'll Need

Internet access

Check, money order, credit card or debit card

I-765 form

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Instructions

1

Download, print and complete the EAD form (I-765) from the Department of Homeland Security website.

2

Include a front and back copy of your Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record), if it's available. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the I-94 is not required if you're filing form I-765 and fall under category (c)(9), an applicant for adjustment to lawful permanent resident status.

3

Include a front and back copy of your last EAD that was issued to you.

4

Get two identical passport-style color photographs (2x2 inches) within 30 days of your application. The photos should include a head shot of the front of your face. According to the Department of Homeland Security, "The photos must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched."

5

Add your name and Alien Receipt Number to the back of the photos and submit the photos with the rest of your paperwork.

6

Include the filing fee and make your check or money order payable to the "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." Guam residents should make it payable to "Treasurer, Guam" and U.S. Virgin Islands residents should make it payable to "Commissioner of Finance of the Virgin Islands." Your bank must be located in the United States.

7

Sign the I-765 form. Mail it with the fee and enclosures to the address indicated on the printed form. Address may change at any time, so check the printed form for the correct address.

8

Go to the U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website (see Resources). View the list of non-eligible applicants to confirm you're eligible to renew your work authorization online.

9

Click the "Log in to E-Filing" link on the right side of the website.

10

Register for an account. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the form online.

11

Pay the filing fee with a credit or debit card and submit the form. You'll receive a receipt number when you submit the form successfully. Jot down the number for your files. According to the USCIS website, a "Pending" status indicates the application was not completed or filed, while an "Action Needed" status indicates there may be a problem with your transaction.

12

Save the generated PDF form and print it out. Submit any supporting documents indicated on the form, such as passport-style photos and biometrics.

13

Return to the USICS website in 48 to 72 hours to check the status of your application.

Tips & Warnings

Follow the instructions carefully to prevent delay or rejection. You may be required to list your assets, income and expenses if you're filing for economic reasons.

According to the USCIS.gov, you should not include a filing fee if you're a citizen of Micronesia, Marshall Islands or Palau; if you were granted withholding of deportation or removal; or if you're a dependent of a certain foreign government or international organization personnel.

Do not use abbreviations when filling out your check or money order for the "U.S. Department of Homeland Security."

You may be required to submit other forms or paperwork depending on your non-U.S. citizen status.

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