What Is an EAD?
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also called a work permit, is a card issued by USCIS that proves you are authorized to work in the United States. The application form is I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Some immigration statuses (H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1) carry work authorization as part of the visa itself. An EAD is needed by applicants whose status does not automatically include work authorization — such as pending I-485 applicants, DACA recipients, asylum applicants, and many others.
Common EAD Eligibility Categories
| Category Code | Who It's For | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|---|
| (c)(9) | Pending I-485 adjustment of status applicant | $260 (concurrent) / $515 (standalone online) |
| (c)(33) | DACA — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals | $445 online / $495 paper |
| (c)(8) | Pending asylum applicant (first EAD free; renewals $520) | $0 initial / $520 renewal |
| (a)(12) / (c)(19) | TPS — Temporary Protected Status | $520 |
| (c)(35) / (c)(36) | H-4 dependent (spouse of H-1B with approved I-140) | $515 online / $565 paper |
| (a)(17) / (a)(18) | Parolee-at-large / certain parole categories | $515 online / $565 paper |
| (c)(26) | STEM OPT extension (F-1 students) | Typically covered by DSO recommendation |
2026 Filing Fees
| Situation | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standalone I-765 — online filing | $515 |
| Standalone I-765 — paper filing | $565 |
| Concurrent with I-485 (c9) | $260 |
| DACA (c33) — online | $445 |
| DACA (c33) — paper | $495 |
| First asylum EAD (c8) | $0 |
| Asylum EAD renewal (c8) | $520 |
Concurrent Filing with I-485 (Combo Card)
When you file I-485 (Adjustment of Status), you can file I-765 and I-131 at the same time to receive a combo EAD/AP card — a single card that serves as both your work permit and Advance Parole travel document.
- Concurrent I-765 fee: $260 (reduced from $515 standalone)
- Concurrent I-131 (Advance Parole): free (included in I-485)
- The combo card is typically valid for 2 years or until the I-485 is decided
EAD Auto-Extension
Eligible EAD holders who timely file for renewal (before the current EAD expires, in the same category) may receive an automatic 540-day extension while the renewal is pending. This was extended from 180 days by a 2022 rule.
When to Apply for Renewal
USCIS recommends applying for EAD renewal up to 180 days before your current EAD expires. Given current processing times (often 3–12+ months), applying as early as allowed is advisable. If you have auto-extension eligibility, your right to work continues automatically after filing.
Premium Processing
Premium Processing (Form I-907) is available for certain I-765 categories, including most standalone filings. The 2026 premium processing fee for I-765 is $1,780, with a 30 business-day adjudication guarantee.
I-765 vs. Status-Based Work Authorization
Some foreign nationals do not need an EAD because their visa status itself authorizes employment:
- H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN: Authorized to work for the specific employer/arrangement on the petition
- E-3, H-1B1: Authorized by visa status
- Lawful Permanent Residents: Green card is work authorization — no EAD needed
- US citizens: No work authorization document needed