What is the EAD Card?
The EAD Card (Employment Authorization Document) is the official document that authorizes foreigners to work legally in the United States. Issued by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), it is popularly called a work permit or, in terms more familiar to Brazilians, an American work card.
Technically, the physical card is called Form I-766, while the application to obtain it is made through Form I-765. The EAD is the size of a credit card and includes a photo, alien registration number (A-Number), expiration date, and the cardholder's eligibility category code.
It's important to make it clear from the outset: the EAD Card is not a green card. It authorizes work for a specific period, while the green card grants permanent residency and permanent work authorization. Confusing the two documents is a common mistake among those starting the immigration process.
Who can apply for distance learning?
You need an EAD if you are in the United States with an immigration status that does not automatically include authorization to work. The most common situations among Brazilians are: pending green card application (adjustment of status, via Form I-485), pending asylum application (Form I-589), F-1 student visa holder seeking off-campus employment (OPT or CPT), H-4 visa dependent (spouse of H-1B holder), L-2 visa dependent (spouse of L-1 holder), Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipient, and DACA holders.
On the other hand, those who already have a green card or work with an H-1B visa, for example, do not need to apply for the EAD, as work authorization is already included in these statuses.
How to request the EAD Card — step by step
The process begins with confirming eligibility. The instructions for Form I-765, available free of charge on the uscis.gov website, provide a complete list of categories and their respective codes. This eligibility code must be entered correctly on the form—an error in this field is one of the most common causes of application denial.
With eligibility confirmed, the next step is to gather the necessary documents. Although requirements vary by category, generally the following are required: a copy of your passport (photo page), I-94 entry record, a copy of your current US visa, two passport-size photos (3x3cm), and documents proving your current immigration status, such as the receipt notice for I-485 or I-589.
Next, you fill out and submit Form I-765. The application can be made online through the myUSCIS portal—a recommended option, as it is cheaper and usually processed more quickly—or printed and mailed. Pay close attention when filling it out: incorrect or incomplete information will generate a Request for Evidence (RFE), delaying the process by weeks or months.
The current application fee is $470 for online applications or $520 for paper applications. Some categories are fully fee-free. USCIS no longer accepts personal checks or money orders in most cases, so it is preferable to pay with a credit or debit card directly through the system.
After submission, you will receive Form I-797C (Notice of Action), which contains your 13-digit receipt number. Keep this receipt safe—it is essential for tracking the progress of your case and, in certain situations, may serve as proof of temporary work authorization.
You can track your application through Case Status Online at egov.uscis.gov, where you enter your receipt number and check the updated status. You can also enable email and SMS notifications through your myUSCIS account.
After the I-765 is approved, the physical card is produced within two weeks and sent via USPS Priority Mail to the registered address. It is crucial to keep your address updated with both USCIS and USPS: a card delivered to the wrong address may require a new application and payment of a new fee.
How long does distance learning take?
Processing times vary depending on the applicant's category, the USCIS service center handling the case, and the current caseload. In 2025, the average processing time was between two and seven months for most categories.
In more detail: those awaiting adjustment of status (pending I-485) can expect to wait three to seven months; asylum seekers (pending I-589) face the longest delays, with processing times ranging from four to nine months; F-1 students on OPT typically receive their EAD within two to four months; H-4 visa dependents can expect to wait four to twelve months depending on the service center; TPS beneficiaries take an average of three to seven months; and renewals in general have been processed in two to three months.
To check the current processing times for your specific service center, please visit the official tool at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times.
A significant change occurred in 2025: starting October 30th, USCIS ended the automatic extension of the EAD for most categories. Before that date, those who applied for renewal on time had the right to continue working for up to 540 days while the application was pending. Now, if the EAD expires before the renewal is approved, the worker loses their work authorization—with specific exceptions for TPS beneficiaries. This makes renewing well in advance even more urgent.
How to renew your EAD Card
The renewal process is virtually identical to the initial application: you fill out a new Form I-765 and pay the fee again. USCIS allows applications to be filed up to 180 days before the current EAD expires, and recommends filing at least 90 days in advance. Do not apply before this 180-day period, as applications filed too early are generally not accepted.
With the end of automatic extensions, there is no longer any safety margin if the renewal is delayed. Those who miss the deadline may be left without work authorization while awaiting approval, which can have serious consequences for both employment and future immigration processes.
Tips to speed things up and avoid problems.
Always prefer applying online through myUSCIS: besides being cheaper, the process tends to be faster than sending it on paper. Review each field of the form before submitting—simple errors can cause delays of months. Keep your address updated with both USCIS and USPS to ensure the card arrives correctly.
Regularly check the status of your case on the USCIS website. If your application exceeds the average processing time published by USCIS for your type of case, you can file a Service Request through the online portal or call customer service at 1-800-375-5283. In proven urgent situations—such as severe financial hardship or a humanitarian emergency—you can submit an expedited request to USCIS, requesting priority review of your case.
Frequently asked questions about the EAD Card
Can I work while the online course is being processed? It depends on your category. Some situations allow you to work while your application is pending, such as in the case of adjustment of status (I-485). In others, you must wait for approval. Never work without confirming your authorization—this can irreversibly compromise future immigration processes.
My online learning contract has expired and the renewal is still pending. Can I continue working? For most categories, no — since the change on October 30, 2025. If your EAD expired while the renewal is being reviewed, you are not authorized to work, except in specific cases such as TPS. Consult an immigration lawyer to understand your situation.
With distance learning, can I work for any employer? Generally, yes. The EAD allows you to work for any employer in the US, in any field, without restrictions on industry or function — unlike visas such as the H-1B, which tie the worker to a specific employer.
What to do if the online course material contains incorrect information? If the error originated with USCIS, the correction is free. You can open a service request through the website or return the card via USPS to the USCIS Lee's Summit Production Facility. If the error resulted from information you provided, a new I-765 form will be required, with a new fee.
I lost my online learning card. How do I request a new one? Complete a new Form I-765 indicating that it is a replacement request (due to loss or theft) and pay the corresponding fee. The process follows the same flow as a new request.
Can I apply for the EAD at the same time as the green card? Yes. For those filing a status adjustment (I-485), it is possible and recommended to file the I-765 (EAD) and the I-131 (advance parole) together with the I-485. This simplifies the process and avoids the need for separate submissions.
Official resources
To access Form I-765, check processing times for your service center, and track the status of your request, always use official U.S. government channels: uscis.gov/i-765 and egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. The form is free — be wary of unofficial websites that charge for access or completion.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of an immigration attorney. USCIS laws and deadlines change frequently—always confirm the most up-to-date information through official channels before making any decisions.
