Employment Options For International Students In The Us

International students seeking employment in the United States need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, also known as a work permit. The EAD card is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to foreign nationals who have been granted permission to work in the country. The process involves submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, along with the required fees, and it typically grants authorization for a one-year period. Certain visa categories, such as F-1 students eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), may be eligible for an EAD, allowing them to work for any employer within specific guidelines. It is important for international students to understand the rules and prepare in advance if they intend to seek employment opportunities in the United States.

International students' eligibility for EAD

International students on F-1 visas are eligible for employment authorization in the US. This is granted in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is also known as a work permit. The EAD is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and allows foreign nationals to work in the US for any employer, within the dates indicated on the card.

To apply for an EAD, international students must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", to the USCIS. This form can be used to apply for a work permit, and the instructions outline which visa categories are eligible. Once approved, the applicant will receive Form I-766, the EAD card, in the mail. The EAD card will contain the dates of employment authorized, a photograph, the individual's full name, date of birth, and visa classification. Any limitations placed on the employment will also be noted on the card.

International students on F-1 visas are eligible for an EAD if they are seeking optional practical training (OPT) in an occupation directly related to their area of study. The OPT period is when a student's work authorization is unrestricted, provided the job is at the appropriate level within their field of study. The EAD is typically granted for a one-year period and can be renewed.

It is important to note that international students must have a valid EAD before starting work in the US. Additionally, some employment opportunities may require additional documentation or permissions, such as off-campus employment, which must be sponsored by a qualifying international organization. Students should speak to their DSO to understand what employment opportunities are available to them and the specific requirements for their situation.

Application process for EAD

To apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form can be filed online or as a paper application. You must also pay a filing fee, unless you are exempt. Dependents of certain foreign governments, international organizations, and NATO personnel, for example, are not required to pay a fee.

After submitting your application, USCIS will review it and may request additional information or documentation from you. If your application is approved, you will receive a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document," in the mail. This card serves as proof of your authorization to work in the United States, and you must carry it with you when travelling internationally.

It is important to note that EADs are typically granted for a one-year period, and you should apply for renewal as soon as possible once your EAD is within 180 days of its expiration date to avoid any gaps in your employment authorization. If your EAD is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you may request a replacement by filing a new Form I-765 and paying the associated fee, if required.

Additionally, certain individuals may be eligible to apply for employment authorization using Form I-765. This includes aliens who are in the United States, as well as those who have applied for asylum and have been waiting for at least 150 days.

EAD card details

The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is issued by the USCIS to individuals who have been granted permission to work in the United States. The EAD card, similar in size to a Social Security card, includes the cardholder's name, photo, birth date, visa classification, and the dates for which they are authorized to work in the US. Any limitations placed on the employment will be noted on the card.

The EAD card is obtained by filing Form I-765, also known as the Application for Employment Authorization. Certain eligibility categories must be met to obtain an EAD card. For example, F-1 students eligible for Practical Training following completion of studies, dependents of J-1 scholars, individuals in the final stages of permanent residency, and those who have been admitted to the US as refugees or granted asylum.

If you already have a green card or are employed in the US with a non-immigrant visa (such as an H-1B), you do not need to apply for an EAD as your visa already authorizes you to work. However, if your EAD is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you may request a replacement by filing a new Form I-765 and paying the associated fee, unless a fee waiver is requested and approved. It is important to note that the processing time for a replacement card does not account for USPS mailing/processing time, which may take approximately 30 days.

For those seeking employment authorization as international students, it is recommended to start the process early and apply ahead of time. For instance, for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), students can apply for their EAD up to 90 days before their program end date. It is also important to keep copies of all documents and stay informed about the eligibility requirements and application process by referring to the USCIS website.

Employment opportunities with EAD

Employment opportunities with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) are varied. EAD holders can work for any employer in the United States, provided they are within the dates of employment authorization stated on the EAD card.

Who is Eligible for an EAD?

Foreign nationals in a number of different immigration statuses may be eligible to apply for employment authorization. For example, F-1 students are eligible for Practical Training following completion of studies, and students who have been offered an internship at a qualified organization can apply for an EAD. Additionally, individuals who are in the final stages of permanent residency or who have been admitted to the U.S. may be eligible.

Applying for an EAD

To apply for an EAD, individuals must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS typically grants EADs for a one-year period. It is important to note that working without the proper visa or EAD is grounds for removal from the country, and unauthorized employment could result in the denial of future visa or green card applications. Therefore, it is advisable to wait for work authorization approval before beginning any employment opportunities.

EAD Job Opportunities

EAD holders can find job opportunities on platforms such as Indeed.com, which offers a range of remote and onsite jobs in various fields, including database development, campaign operations, and recruitment. EAD holders can also work with an experienced immigration professional to understand what employment opportunities may be available to them.

Replacing or Renewing an EAD

If an EAD is lost, stolen, or destroyed, individuals may request a replacement by filing a new Form I-765 and paying the associated fee, unless a fee waiver is requested and approved. To avoid a gap in employment authorization, it is recommended to renew an EAD as soon as possible once it is within 180 days of its expiration date.

EAD vs. Green Card

International students in the US who are interested in working while studying need to follow certain rules and prepare ahead of time. One of the key steps is obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The EAD, commonly known as a work permit, grants the holder the right to work in the United States for a specified period, typically one or two years, depending on their immigration situation.

To obtain an EAD, international students may need to submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to the USCIS. Once approved, they will receive Form I-766, the EAD card, which serves as proof of their authorization to work. This card includes the dates of authorized employment, a photograph, the individual's full name, date of birth, and visa classification, along with any limitations on their employment.

Now, comparing EAD and Green Card:

EAD, or Employment Authorization Document, is a temporary authorization that allows non-citizens to legally work in the United States for a specified period. It is issued by the USCIS and serves as a stepping stone towards obtaining a Green Card. Individuals with pending immigration petitions for permanent residence, also known as an I-485 application, are typically granted an EAD. The EAD allows them to work and earn a living while waiting for their Green Card application to be processed, which can often take years.

On the other hand, a Green Card signifies the achievement of permanent residency in the United States. It serves as both proof of lawful permanent residence and a work permit. While the Green Card application process can be lengthy, the EAD ensures that individuals can legally work during this waiting period. Once an individual receives their Green Card, their EAD automatically expires, as the Green Card now authorizes them to work.

Frequently asked questions