Application for Employment Authorization (EAD Card) for Permanent Residency Applicants


The EAD card will allow you to work at UGA and other employers for one full year from the date of issue while your application for permanent residency is being processed.

  Who is eligible to file for Employment Authorization?

You are concorrently eligible to file this form if you are filing the I-140 and I-485 application for permanent residency or have a receipt notice for I-485 for the application fee. Anyone who is a family member of the principal applicant for permanent residency is eligible to apply for this card so they can work. The principal applicant can stay in their H status and family members can obtain the EAD card.

  Advantage of having an EAD card while waiting for Permanent Residency?

The major reason for changing to the EAD card is that many individuals feel “safer” having employment based on their application for permanent residency, especially if they are also applying for advanced parole. The card allows family members who could not work in H-4 status to do so and the card is not employer specific so any type of employment is allowed. If an H-1 travels with advanced parole and enters the US with advanced parole their I-94 will be noted as “paroled in to pursue permanent residency”. The officer at the port of entry is saying that the individual has presented documents signaling that they want to be identified as an adjustment applicant. When you do this you should also have an EAD card for employment even if you are returning to UGA.

  How do I apply for Employment Authorization (EAD Card)?

You will need to complete the latest version of the form I-765. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assign numbers to all its forms. You can find them at the top of the form or in the lower right hand corner of the form. Along with the form number you will see the latest revision date of the form. We also have available instructions and a sample you can use to assist you in completing the form.

  What else do I need besides the application form?

You will need to organize your form in the following way:

1. Attach a check payable to the Department of Homeland Security- USCIS for $340.00 to the center left side of the I-765. This fee is only applicable for individuals who filed for permanent residency prior to July 30th, 2007. Individuals who filed for permanent residency after July 30th and paid the $1010.00, do not have to pay to have their employment authorization extended. If UGA is sponsoring your application for permanent residency you may contact makelly@uga.edu, if you have any questions.
2. Attach two photos (click here to see sample of required photos) in a small envelope to the lower left corner of page 1 of I-765. Make sure to write your name in pencil on the back and include your A# if you have one.
3. Behind the I-765 attach the following:
• a copy of your I-485 receipt notice if you have one
• copy of all previous employment authorizations
• copy of the I.D. page from your passport that shows your photo
• copy of your I-94 card
• and copy of receipt notice for form I-48

  How and where do I mail my application?

USCIS recently changed procedures on where applications should be submitted. If you are filing a form I-765 based on a pending I-485 you must file your form with the service center having jurisdiction over your place of residence. For individuals in Georgia the appropriate service center is the Texas Service Center.

* PLEASE NOTE: The above PO Box is only for application for emplement authroizations. You must use the PO Box associated with the form you are submitting.

IMPORTANT: You MUST file this form at least 90 days prior to the expiration of your current employment card. An EAD card has a specific ending date and regulations DO NOT permit you to work even one day beyond that date, even if you have filed your extension. Make sure to allow plenty of time to renew you application to work.

  How long is this going to take once I mail in my application and how do I check on it?

You should receive a receipt for the application fee within two weeks. On the notice you will see your SRC or LIN number in the upper left corner. You can use this number to track your application at the USCIS website or by calling the number shown on your receipt. If you want to see how fast USCIS is processing application you can visit USCIS service center processing times, look under form I-765 and you can see the date of receipt they are working on.