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:

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.

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.