Wondering how to get started with your Employment Authorization Card application? Get started with this article! Through our careful research, we’ve created this article to help you. You’ll definitely need an Employment Authorization Card top work if you’re not a US citizen or you don’t have a Green Card. Use this article to your advantage to find out surprising tip you need to know about your US Employment Authorization Card. Let’s go!
What is an Employment Authorization Card?
If you’re living in the United States, you’ve probably thought about working whilst you’re there. Under the law, all employers must check whether you’re eligible to work in the United States.
Proving that you’re allowed to work in the United States can be done by showing an Employment Authorization Card. As with most documents, the Employment Authorization Card has limited validity, so make sure to keep it up to date and renew it when necessary.
Who is Eligible for an Employment Authorization Card?
There are a few criteria to be eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Card. Check out the list below to find out whether you are eligible or not.
Who is Eligible for an Employment Authorization Card
- You are of asylum or refugee status
- You are required to apply for employment authorization (F1 & M1 Students)
- You have a pending application for permanent residence
- You have a pending application for asylum
Why do You Need an Employment Authorization Card?
All employers must check whether you are eligible to work in the United States before accepting you as an employee. If you’re not a US Citizen or don’t have a Green Card, you need to prove you can work by using an Employment Authorization Card.
How to Apply for an Employment Authorization Card?
The USCIS requires all individuals who want to apply for an Employment Authorization Card to complete and file Form I-129. You will also need to provide other documents to support your application. Read the steps below to give you an idea of how the process works.
How to Apply for an Employment Authorization Card
- Read the Form I-765 Instructions
- Fill in and sign your Form I-765
- Pay the fee unless it has been waived
- Gather and submit any supporting documents and information
What are the Required Documents for an Employment Authorization Card?
If you’re applying for an Employment Authorization Card, you need to make sure you fill in everything correctly and provide accurate documents and information. Otherwise, you’re likely to experience delays in the processing of your EAD application.
Documents Required for an Employment Authorization Card
- Completed Form I-94
- Passport or a different travel document
- Your previous EAD (renewal only)
- Two copies of a Passport-style photo
- Completed Form G-28 (if you have a representative, attorney etc.)
- A government-issued form of identity
- Your United States visa (if you have one)
- A receipt notice from the USCIS (when submitting Form I-485)
You may need to provide additional documents and information than what is in this list. So make sure to do the research for yourself. You can always contact the USCIS office you have filed with if you need assistance.
What is the Cost of an Employment Authorization Card?
Applying for an Employment Authorization Card can be quite expensive. You have to pay the fees for the processing of your application unless waived. You should also take into account that you may have extra costs in sending documents in the mail and creating paper copies.
Cost of an Employment Authorization Card
- Application fee: $410 USD
- Biometric appointment: $85 USD
These costs can be paid through check or money order if you are posting your application. If you apply online through the USCIS website, you can use a debit or credit card to pay.
You can contact your USCIS office or go to their website to find out whether you are eligible for a fee waiver.
What is the Processing Time for an Employment Authorization Card?
Once you’ve applied for an Employment Authorization Card, you’ll have to wait to receive it before you start working.
The application could take as little as 5 months. However, it could take longer. The processing of your Employment Authorization Card application can sometimes take up to 7 months.
Where to Get a US Employment Authorization Card Photo, Cheap & Quick
You’ll need to acquire 2 copies of a colour passport-style photo of yourself for your Employment Authorization Card application.
If you’re not sure how to get a correct passport-style photo, that’s not a problem! Use ‘Smartphone iD’, to get digital or physical copies of pre-approved passport-style photos for competitive cheap prices. When you choose us, you’ll have 100% peace of mind that your photo will be accepted by the government. If for some reason it’s not? We’ll send you a full refund.
US Employment Authorization Card VS Green Card
Whilst a Green Card allows you to live permanently in the United States and travel outside of the US, as well as work. Whereas, an Employment Authorization Card can only grant you access to work in the United States.
Summary
Whether you’re renewing or applying for your first Employment Authorization Card, make sure you know all the requirements to make a successful application. Otherwise, you could face delays in your application or rejection. Part of a successful application is submitting a compliant passport-style photo. Use Smartphone iD to effortlessly get pre-approved passport-style photos at a cheap price.
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