Work Permit (EAD) Lawyer Columbus Ohio
An Employment Authorization Document allows noncitizens with eligible immigration cases to work lawfully nationwide. Latif Law files initial and renewal Form I-765 applications across all major eligibility categories for clients in Columbus and Central Ohio. Applicants with a pending green card case can review our adjustment of status guidance.
What an EAD Does — and Does Not — Do
An Employment Authorization Document is a USCIS-issued card that proves you are authorized to work in the United States. It is widely used for I-9 verification, driver's license renewals (in many states), Social Security number issuance, and as common identification for employers and government agencies.
An EAD is not a green card and does not by itself create immigration status. It documents work authorization tied to the underlying status or pending application that made you eligible — adjustment of status, asylum, TPS, U-visa, VAWA, DACA, and others. If the underlying basis ends, the EAD's authorization may end with it.
Important: EAD processing times, fees, and automatic-extension rules change. Always confirm current rules at uscis.gov/i-765 before filing.
Common EAD Eligibility Categories
Form I-765 requires you to identify the eligibility category that applies to your case. Below are the categories Latif Law most often files in Columbus.
Adjustment of Status Applicants
Filed alongside or after a pending Form I-485 adjustment application.
Asylum Applicants (Pending I-589)
Available after the asylum application has been pending for the required waiting period.
Asylees
For people granted asylum. The EAD is not always required to work but is widely used as proof of work authorization.
TPS Holders
Filed with the I-821 (initial or re-registration) to obtain or renew work authorization tied to TPS.
U-Visa Recipients and Waiting List
For U-visa holders and certain principals on the waiting list with deferred action.
VAWA Self-Petitioners
For self-petitioners with an approved or pending VAWA petition under category-specific rules.
DACA Recipients
For Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients in active status.
Other Humanitarian Categories
Withholding-only, parole-based work authorization, and other less common categories.
Initial Filing vs. Renewal
Initial EAD
First-time application based on a qualifying status or pending case. Requires the right category code, supporting evidence of eligibility, photo, identity documents, and the correct fee or fee waiver.
Renewal EAD
Filed before the current EAD expires. Some categories qualify for an automatic extension while the renewal is pending; the length of that extension has changed in recent years. File early to avoid gaps.
Common EAD Mistakes to Avoid
Selecting the wrong category code
USCIS rejects or denies applications filed under the wrong eligibility category. The right code depends on the underlying status, not what feels closest.
Filing without underlying evidence
Each category requires specific proof — receipt of the underlying petition, approval notice, court order, or similar. Missing evidence triggers rejections or RFEs.
Filing the wrong fee or missing a fee exemption
Some categories are fee-exempt, others require a fee, and some allow fee waivers. Filing fees change. Confirm current fee at uscis.gov/feecalculator.
Letting the current EAD expire before filing renewal
Late renewals can interrupt employment and trigger I-9 problems. File well in advance and track receipt dates.
Using an old form edition
USCIS rejects applications submitted on outdated form editions. Always download the current Form I-765 from uscis.gov immediately before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the filing fee for Form I-765?
Fees depend on category and recent USCIS fee schedule changes. Some humanitarian categories are fee-exempt. Always confirm the current fee — and any biometrics fee — at uscis.gov/feecalculator immediately before filing.
Can I work while I wait for my EAD?
Generally no, unless you have a separate basis for work authorization (such as a status that permits employment without an EAD, or an automatic extension on a timely-filed renewal). Working without authorization can have serious immigration consequences.
Does an EAD allow me to travel internationally?
No. The EAD authorizes work, not international travel. Travel typically requires a separate document such as advance parole or a visa, and travel may have status implications. Always check before leaving the U.S.
Can I get a Social Security number with my EAD?
Yes. EAD recipients are generally eligible to apply for a Social Security number. Bring the unexpired EAD and required supporting documents to your local Social Security Administration office or apply concurrently when filing Form I-765.
What happens if my underlying case is denied?
Work authorization tied to a pending case generally ends when that case is denied (subject to any applicable grace periods). Plan promptly for next steps if denials occur.
Serving Columbus and Central Ohio
Work permit representation throughout the greater Columbus metro area:
Related Immigration Topics
Asylum (c08 EAD)
Work authorization while an asylum case is pending.
TPS (a12/c19 EAD)
Work authorization tied to Temporary Protected Status.
U-Visa (a19/c14 EAD)
Work authorization on the U-visa waiting list and after grant.
VAWA (c31 EAD)
Work authorization based on a VAWA self-petition.
Adjustment (c09 EAD)
Work authorization while a marriage-based I-485 is pending.
RFE Response Help
Time-sensitive responses to USCIS Requests for Evidence on EADs.
File or Renew Your Work Permit With Counsel
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