EAD
Also known as: Employment Authorization Document, work permit, I-766
Process · EB-5 Glossary
Definition
A card issued by USCIS that authorizes a non-citizen to work in the United States. In the EB-5 context, EADs are available to investors who have filed Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status). The EAD permits employment with any employer, unlike employer-specific work visas such as H-1B.
Context
The EAD provides employer portability. An investor on H-1B who obtains an EAD is no longer tied to a single employer for immigration purposes. The 540-day automatic extension for renewal applications prevents gaps in work authorization.
Related Terms
More Process Terms
- Advance Parole
An authorization document that permits a person to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad while an adjustment of status application is pending. Advance Parole does not guarantee admission; the holder must still be found admissible at the port of entry.
- Approval Notice
The official USCIS document confirming that an immigration petition or application has been approved. In the EB-5 context, the I-526E approval notice is the critical milestone that confirms the investment meets program requirements and establishes the priority date.
- Biometric Appointment
A scheduled appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC) where the applicant provides fingerprints, photographs, and a signature. Biometrics are required for most immigration applications, including I-485 and I-829. The biometric services fee is $85 per applicant.
- Case Status
The ability to track the progress of an immigration petition or application using the receipt number (a 13-character alphanumeric code beginning with three letters) through the USCIS online case status tool. The tool reports the current processing stage (received, initial review, request for evidence, approved, denied, etc.).
- I-131
The USCIS form used to apply for a travel document (Advance Parole) that permits re-entry to the United States while an adjustment of status application is pending. In the EB-5 context, I-131 is typically filed concurrently with I-485 and I-765.
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