What Is an EAD Card?
Quick Answer
An EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card, officially designated as Form I-766, is a physical work permit issued by USCIS that authorizes eligible foreign nationals to work in the United States. For F-1 students on OPT, the EAD card serves as proof of employment authorization and must be in hand before starting any work.
Key Takeaway
Your EAD card must be physically received before you can begin working—do not start employment based on an approval notice alone, and keep your card secure as it is your primary proof of work authorization.
Understanding the EAD Card (Form I-766)
The Employment Authorization Document (EAD), formally known as Form I-766, is a credit-card-sized identification document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It grants the holder permission to work legally in the United States for a specified period. The EAD card contains the holder's photograph, biographical information, a category code indicating the basis for work authorization, and an expiration date.
For F-1 international students, the EAD card is most commonly obtained through Optional Practical Training (OPT). Once USCIS approves the I-765 application for employment authorization, the EAD card is produced and mailed to the applicant. The card typically arrives within 7–10 business days after approval, though processing times can vary.
It is critical to understand that an EAD card is not the same as an employment visa. The EAD authorizes work within the United States but does not grant permission to enter the country. F-1 students maintain their nonimmigrant status through their student visa and I-20, while the EAD specifically permits employment during the OPT period.
Who Needs an EAD Card?
Several categories of foreign nationals require an EAD card to work in the United States. F-1 students approved for pre-completion or post-completion OPT must have a valid EAD before beginning employment. STEM OPT extension recipients also receive a new EAD card with an extended validity period of 24 months beyond the initial 12-month OPT period.
Beyond OPT holders, EAD cards are issued to asylum applicants, refugees, individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), certain visa holders' dependents (such as H-4 and L-2 spouses), and adjustment-of-status applicants with pending green card cases. Each category has a specific eligibility code printed on the EAD card that identifies the basis of work authorization.
Employers use the EAD card as a List A document for Form I-9 verification, meaning it serves as proof of both identity and employment authorization. This makes the EAD one of the most important documents an OPT holder possesses.
- F-1 students on pre-completion or post-completion OPT
- STEM OPT extension recipients (24-month extension)
- Asylum applicants and refugees
- Adjustment-of-status (green card) applicants
- Certain dependent visa holders (H-4, L-2 spouses)
EAD Card Details and Category Codes
Each EAD card displays a category code that identifies why the holder is authorized to work. For F-1 students on post-completion OPT, the category code is (c)(3)(B). For STEM OPT extension holders, the code is (c)(3)(C). These codes are important because employers and immigration attorneys reference them to verify the type and conditions of work authorization.
The EAD card also includes a USCIS number (your A-number if applicable), a card expiration date, and the cardholder's signature. OPT EAD cards for the initial 12-month period are valid from the requested start date through exactly 12 months later. STEM OPT extension EAD cards extend authorization for an additional 24 months from the end date of the initial OPT period.
If your EAD card contains any errors—such as a misspelled name, incorrect date of birth, or wrong category code—you should contact USCIS immediately to request a corrected card. Working with an erroneous EAD could create complications with your employer's I-9 records.
Never start working before your EAD card is physically in your possession and the start date printed on the card has been reached. Working without a valid EAD is a violation of your immigration status.
What to Do If Your EAD Card Is Lost or Stolen
If your EAD card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must file a new Form I-765 with USCIS to request a replacement card. The application should include a brief explanation of the circumstances and the applicable filing fee. While the replacement is being processed, you should not work unless you have other valid employment authorization.
To prevent loss, many immigration advisors recommend making photocopies or digital scans of both sides of your EAD card and storing them securely. While a copy is not a valid substitute for the original card during I-9 verification, it can help expedite the replacement process and serve as a personal reference for your authorization details.
If your EAD card has not arrived within 30 days of your approval notice date, you can contact USCIS to inquire about the status. In some cases, cards are returned to USCIS due to address issues, and you may need to submit an address change or request redelivery.