Administrative process · USCIS

Work Permit (EAD, I-765) in Orlando

The work permit, or EAD (Employment Authorization Document), authorizes a person to work legally in the United States while an immigration case is in progress, or when they belong to a category that grants that right. It is requested through Form I-765 filed with USCIS. It is an administrative process: the EAD is not an immigration status in itself, but rather a document that proves the authorization to work, always tied to a basis of eligibility provided under federal law and the CFR regulations.

Who can apply for the EAD

The I-765 never exists on its own: it depends on an eligible category that grants the right to work. The most common situations in Orlando include:

People with adjustment of status (Form I-485) under review
Asylees or asylum applicants after the waiting period provided by law
TPS (Temporary Protected Status) beneficiaries
DACA recipients
Spouses of certain work-visa holders
Other humanitarian and specific categories provided by regulation

Each category has its own eligibility code, which must be indicated correctly on the form. Providing the wrong category is a frequent cause of delay and denial, and that is why framing your case correctly is the first step.

How the process works, step by step

In general terms, the EAD request tends to follow these stages:

Confirming the eligibility category that grants the right to work
Completing the I-765 with the correct eligibility code and the supporting documents
Filing with USCIS, on its own or together with the main case (for example, with the I-485)
Biometrics, when requested
Review by USCIS and issuance of the work authorization card if approved

Documents commonly required

Identity document and passport
Proof of the eligible category (for example, the I-485 receipt notice, an asylum document, TPS, or DACA)
Photo in the format required by USCIS
Prior EAD, when it is a renewal request
Additional documents depending on the specific category

The EAD always depends on a valid basis of eligibility: applying without the correct category, or indicating the wrong code, leads to a denial. In addition, renewing late can mean being left without work authorization, which affects employment and income. Working without valid authorization, in turn, has serious immigration consequences. In immigration, a mistake has real legal consequences, and the EAD does not replace the underlying immigration status.

What to expect during the process

The EAD request is an administrative process before USCIS, with no court. After filing, you receive the receipt notice and, when applicable, the biometrics appointment. In some categories, USCIS may grant an automatic extension of the prior EAD for a period while the renewal is under review, which helps reduce gaps, but this depends on the category and the rules in effect.

We do not promise timelines, because the review time varies by category and by the workload of USCIS. What we offer is clarity about your category, about the right time to renew, and about what each notice means, so that your work authorization stays active as much as possible.

How Without Borders handles your case

Without Borders is a nonprofit organization recognized by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Your I-765 is handled by a DOJ Accredited Representative, authorized to act in administrative processes before USCIS and DHS, and not by attorneys of the organization. We confirm your eligibility category, indicate the correct code, organize the documents, and control the renewal deadlines, often in an integrated way with the main case. All services are provided in Portuguese and English, in Orlando.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone apply for the EAD?

No. The work permit depends on a category of eligibility provided by law, such as adjustment of status under review, asylum, TPS, or DACA. We check whether you have a valid basis and which eligibility code applies to your case at the consultation.

When should I renew my EAD?

Before it expires, within the window recommended by USCIS, so as not to interrupt your work authorization. In some categories there is an automatic extension during the renewal, but it is not wise to rely on it without analysis. We assess your deadline at the consultation.

Does the EAD give me an immigration status?

No. The EAD only authorizes work and is always tied to an underlying category, such as adjustment of status or asylum. It does not replace the main case or grant residence on its own.

Can I request the EAD together with the green card?

Yes. In many cases, the I-765 is filed together with adjustment of status (I-485), allowing you to work while the green card is under review. The grant depends on USCIS's review. We handle both pieces in an integrated way.

My EAD expired, can I keep working?

It depends. In some categories there is an automatic extension for a period; in others, there is not. Working without valid authorization carries immigration risk. Seek guidance before it expires to avoid gaps.

Do I need to indicate a specific category on the form?

Yes. The I-765 requires the correct eligibility code according to your basis. Indicating the wrong code is a common cause of delay and denial, so we confirm the category before filing.

Related services

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Service in Portuguese and English, in Orlando, with a DOJ Accredited Representative.

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Informational content about an immigration legal service. Without Borders Inc is a nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Representation is provided by a DOJ Accredited Representative, within the scope of their accreditation. This text does not replace an individual review of your case in a consultation.