Obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and the legal right to work for any U.S. employer. Attorney Shair identifies the correct eligibility category and prepares a complete I-765 package.
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — commonly called a work permit — is issued by USCIS and authorizes a foreign national to work legally in the United States. Unlike employer-sponsored work visas (H-1B, O-1, L-1), an EAD is an open-market work permit: it allows the holder to work for any U.S. employer, change jobs freely, or even be self-employed during its validity period.
EADs are available to individuals in a wide range of immigration categories — including those with pending Green Card applications, asylum applicants, DACA recipients, certain visa dependents, and humanitarian parolees. The specific eligibility category determines the filing requirements, evidence needed, and validity period of the EAD.
"Many EAD applications are denied due to incorrect category codes or missing evidence — mistakes that cost applicants months of work authorization and hundreds of dollars in fees. Attorney Shair ensures your I-765 is filed correctly the first time."
Standard processing typically takes 3–7 months, though USCIS times vary by field office and category. USCIS offers a 30-day expedite request for applicants who can demonstrate severe financial loss, emergency, or USCIS error. When filed concurrently with I-485, there is no additional filing fee. Attorney Shair monitors processing times and advises on whether expedite criteria are met.
Generally no — you must have the physical EAD card (or a receipt notice showing timely renewal with automatic extension eligibility) before you begin working. Working without authorization is a serious immigration violation. If you filed a timely renewal and your prior EAD expired, the 180-day automatic extension rule may apply — check with Attorney Shair before working.
A work visa (H-1B, O-1, L-1, etc.) ties you to a specific employer and requires employer sponsorship. An EAD is an open-market work permit — you can work for any employer, change jobs freely, or be self-employed. EADs are available to people in various immigration statuses pending a Green Card or other relief, while work visas are standalone nonimmigrant classifications.
Advance Parole (Form I-131) is travel authorization that allows a person with a pending I-485 to travel outside the U.S. and return without abandoning their Green Card application. If you have a pending I-485 and travel without Advance Parole, USCIS may consider your application abandoned. Many I-485 applicants file I-765 and I-131 together as a combo card application.
Filing I-765 with the wrong eligibility category — or without the correct supporting evidence — results in denial with no refund of filing fees. Attorney Shair reviews your complete immigration history to identify the correct category, prepares a complete evidentiary package, and monitors your case from filing through card receipt. He also tracks renewal deadlines to ensure you are never left without work authorization.
Attorney Shair will identify your correct EAD category and file a complete, accurate application — free consultation, no obligation.