Services

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) & Advance Parole

Navigating the immigration process often requires more than filing a petition—it also involves managing work authorization and travel while your status is pending. Whether you’re adjusting status, applying for asylum, or facing delayed processing, Boudia Immigration Law can guide you through obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Advance Parole so you can work legally and travel with confidence.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

An EAD, or Employment Authorization Document, is a card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that gives certain non-U.S. citizens legal permission to work in the United States. It is often called a work permit and serves as proof that you are legally allowed to work in the United States for a specific period.

Some visa holders and categories that can request an EAD to work include:

H-4 Dependent Spouses of H-1B Visa Holders with an approved I-140
Eligibility: You need to be in the U.S. as an H-4 dependent spouse (not the child) of an H-1B visa holder. You can apply for an EAD (Form I-765) if your H-1B spouse is in the process of applying for a Green Card (i.e., their I-140 petition has been approved, or they have been granted 7th-year H-1B extension based on the pending Green Card process).
Certain F-1 students, including:
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- STEM OPT extension
- Severe economic hardship
J-2 dependents of J-1 exchange visitors.
L-2 spouses of L-1 visa holders (though many are work-authorized automatically, dependent on status).
E spouses of E-1/E-2/E-3 visa holders.
K-1 fiancé(e)s and K-2/K-3 dependents.
Individuals with a pending green card application

If you are a lawful permanent resident or hold a nonimmigrant status that already allows employment with a specific employer (e.g., H-1B, L-1, O-1, P), you do not need an EAD.

Renewals and Replacements:

EADs must be renewed before expiration to avoid a gap in employment authorization. Renewal applications should be submitted within 180 days of expiration for most statuses. If your EAD is lost, stolen, or contains an error, you can request a replacement.

Employer Note:

If you are a U.S. employer sponsoring foreign national employees, it is your responsibility to verify work authorization. If your employee requires an EAD, ensure they maintain valid documentation and allow time for renewals to avoid compliance risks.

Advance Parole

Advance Parole is a travel document that allows certain noncitizens to reenter the United States without a visa while awaiting a pending application, such as adjustment of status or asylum. It is most commonly issued through Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

You must apply for and receive advance parole before leaving the U.S. if:

You have a pending Form I-485 for lawful permanent residence
You have a pending Form I-589 for asylum

Please note: While an approved advance parole document allows you to board transportation back to the U.S., final entry is always at the discretion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry.

How Boudia Immigration Law Can Help

Boudia Immigration Law provides clear, reliable guidance in obtaining and renewing EADs and Advance Parole documents. We help individuals, families, and employers avoid delays and costly mistakes by ensuring your applications are complete, accurate, and timely.

Whether you are working in the U.S., adjusting status, or preparing for international travel, we’ll help you maintain compliance and peace of mind.