What is an EAD? A Guide for Cameroonian Immigrants to the U.S. Work Authorization
As a Cameroonian Immigrant in the United States, if you are not a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder, you must have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Find information on how to apply for a work permit and renew it.
What is an EAD?
An EAD is an Employment Authorization Document or work permit. To work in the United States, you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or have a work permit. An EAD proves you can legally work in the United States.
Employers must check if you are authorized to work to follow the law and avoid penalties. It is common for employers to ask during a job interview, “Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?” The EAD is not specific to an employer. You can use an EAD card to work for any employer in the United States.
EAD Card
The EAD card includes your name, photo, alien number, card number, date of birth, fingerprint, and expiration date. You can use the card as a form of identification. It is not a valid document to re-enter the United States. The card is also known as an I-766.
Who Can Get an EAD?
You need to be in an eligible category to apply for an EAD. Some of these categories include:
- Refugee
- Asylee
- Humanitarian parole
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)
- DACA
- VAWA
- U and T visa
- Pending asylum (150 days after filing)
- Withholding of deportation or removal
- Certain employment-based non-immigrants
- Spouses, fiances, or dependents of certain authorized categories
Note: U.S. citizens and Green Card holders do not need an EAD to work.
Asylum Seekers
If you are an asylum seeker with a pending application, you must wait 150 days before applying for an EAD. USCIS may reject your Form I-765 if you file it before the 150-day waiting period.
Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) is a helpful resource.
Refugees and Asylees
Refugees and asylees are automatically authorized to work in the USA. You do not need to apply or pay a fee for an EAD.
- Refugees: USCIS will automatically process your Form I-765 as soon as you arrive in the USA. Once your application is approved, they will create your EAD. You will get your EAD card in the mail within 30 days. You can use your Form I-94 as proof you can legally work while you wait for your card.
- Asylees: When you are granted asylum, you are immediately authorized to work. No separate application for work authorization is required.
Afghan and Ukrainian Parolees
Certain Afghan and Ukrainian parolees do not need to wait for approval of Form I-765 to work in the USA. Your unexpired Form I-94 can be proof that you can work for the first 90 days at your job. After that, you will need to show an EAD and unrestricted Social Security card.
USCIS is also offering fee exemptions and faster processing. More information is available on their Afghan Nationals and Uniting for Ukraine pages.