Secure Your EAD Card: Work Legally in the U.S.

Start Your U.S. Career Today

Welcome to the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram! We’re thrilled to guide you through the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) process, your key to working legally in the U.S. without citizenship or a Green Card.

Why You Need an EAD

Federal law requires employers to verify work eligibility via Form I-9. An EAD ensures compliance, avoiding legal issues for non-citizens or non-Green Card holders.

EAD Eligibility Categories (8 C.F.R. 274a.12)

Category 1: People Automatically Authorized to Work Based on Their Status

If you fall into one of these groups, you can apply for an EAD card:

a. Asylee/Refugee, Paroled in as a Refugee or Asylum Applicant;
b. Nationality of certain countries (Micronesia/Marshall Islands);
c. Recipients of Temporary Protected Status;
d. Spouse of E-1/E-2 Treaty Trader or Investor or E-3 Certain Specialty of Occupation Professional from Australia;
e. L-1 Intracompany Transferee;
f. K-1/K-3 Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) of U.S. Citizen or K-2/K-4 Dependents;
g. U Visa Holders.

Category 2: People Authorized to Work for a Specific Employer
If your visa already gives you the right to work, you don’t need to apply for an EAD card. This includes:

a. Temporary Worker or Trainee (H-1B Visa Holder);
b. Intra-Company Transferee (L-1);
c. Aliens having extraordinary ability (O-1) and accompanying aliens (O-2.)

*Note individuals in this category do not need to apply for an EAD card as their status already grants them permission to work in the United States.

Category 3: People Who Must Apply for an EAD to Work
If you’re in one of these categories, you’ll need to file for work authorization:

a. Foreign students (F-1 Visa Holders), OPT, Off-Campus Employment;
b. J-2 Visa Holders;
c. M-1 Student Seeking Practical Training after Completing Studies;
d. Foreign Government Officials;
e. Spouse of an H-1B Nonimmigrant;
f. Deferred Action Recipients;
g. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals;
h. T-1 Nonimmigrant Status;
i. VAWA Self-Petitioners.

Application & Validity

EADs align with your authorized stay (e.g., up to 5 years for E-2 spouses). Renew within 120 days of expiration to avoid work gaps.

Your Path to Success

Whether in the U.S. or planning to work here, we’ll fast-track your EAD and path to permanent residency. Contact us for a free consultation to secure your EAD and start your U.S. career now!