An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that provides temporary employment authorization to noncitizens in the United States. It is also known as a work permit and is issued in the form of a small card. The EAD proves to employers that the holder is authorized to work in the United States for a specific period of time.

To obtain an EAD, noncitizens who qualify may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and send the form via mail to the USCIS Regional Service Center that serves their area. The USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document for a specific period of time based on the aliens immigration situation.

It is important to note that lawful permanent residents do not need to apply for an EAD as their Green Card is considered evidence of their employment authorization. Additionally, nonimmigrant visa holders who are authorized to work for a specific employer, such as H-1B, L-1B, O, or P visa holders, do not need to apply for an EAD.

If an EAD is lost, stolen, or destroyed, a replacement EAD can be requested by filing a new Form I-765 and filing fee (if required), unless a fee waiver is requested and approved. If the EAD contains incorrect information that is not due to a USCIS error, a new Form I-765 and filing fee (if required) must be submitted to the service center or National Benefit Center that approved the latest Form I-765.