If you’re living in the U.S. without permanent status, being able to work legally is more than just convenience—it’s survival. A work permit, officially called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), can give you the ability to earn a living, get a driver’s license, or even apply for health insurance in some states. But getting and keeping a work permit isn’t always straightforward.

At Tourzani & Long, LLC, we help clients apply for work permits every day—from first-time applicants to those facing issues with renewals, delays, or changes in eligibility. Here’s what you need to know about how to apply for one, how to maintain it, and what to do if something goes wrong.

What Is a Work Permit?

A work permit is a card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that authorizes someone without permanent status to legally work in the U.S. It’s valid for a limited time—usually 1 or 2 years, depending on your immigration category—and must be renewed if you want to keep working lawfully.

The EAD is often used alongside other documents to prove your eligibility for jobs, and it’s also accepted as a photo ID by many institutions.

Who Can Apply for a Work Permit?

Not everyone can get a work permit, but there are several common immigration categories that qualify, including:

Individuals with a pending asylum application (after 150 days)

Those applying for a green card (adjustment of status)

DACA recipients

People granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Spouses of certain visa holders (such as L-2 or E-2 spouses)

U visa or VAWA applicants

Certain individuals granted parole

Eligibility depends on your immigration status or pending application. You must file under the correct category on the application and provide supporting evidence.

How to Apply for a Work Permit

To apply for an EAD, you need to submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. You’ll also need:

Proof of your eligibility category (like a copy of your pending asylum receipt or I-485 receipt)

A copy of your passport or previous EAD (if renewing)

Two recent passport-style photos

The filing fee (unless you’re exempt or submitting a fee waiver)

Make sure your application is complete and organized. A missing document or unchecked box can delay processing or even lead to a denial. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, it’s always smart to get legal advice before filing.

Maintaining Your Work Authorization

Once you get your work permit, keep an eye on the expiration date. It won’t be renewed automatically. For most people, it’s a good idea to start the renewal process about 180 days before expiration. That gives enough time for delays and keeps you from losing work eligibility in the meantime.

If you’re eligible, some categories receive automatic extensions when they file a renewal on time. This lets you keep working legally while USCIS processes the new application. Not every category qualifies for this benefit, though—so it’s worth double-checking.

What If You Change Your Immigration Status?

If your underlying immigration status changes—for example, if your asylum case is approved, or you get a green card—your need for an EAD may disappear. That’s a good thing. But while your status is pending, your right to work still depends on having that card in hand (or an official extension on file).

Be careful about assuming you’re still eligible to renew just because you had a card before. We’ve seen people try to renew after their eligibility category changed, and USCIS denied the application because it no longer applied.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Here are a few avoidable mistakes we see often:

Applying under the wrong category or leaving the category section blank

Letting your EAD expire before submitting a renewal

Using outdated forms—always download the latest version from the USCIS website

Forgetting to include required supporting evidence

Ignoring a USCIS request for additional information (known as an RFE)

Even a small paperwork error can cause delays or trigger a denial. We’ve helped clients fix these issues, but it’s much easier to get it right the first time.

Need Help? Let’s Talk

A work permit can be life-changing, and staying on top of renewals is essential for keeping your life stable while your immigration journey continues. At Tourzani & Long, LLC, we assist individuals from all backgrounds with employment authorization—whether it’s your first EAD, a renewal, or responding to a problem with USCIS.

We can help you file under the correct category, gather supporting evidence, and stay ahead of deadlines. Visit tourzanilaw.com to schedule a consultation. We’re here to make sure you stay work-authorized and informed every step of the way.