Avoid these 6 common mistakes and speed up your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or work permit process with the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Here are the top mistakes to avoid for faster EAD approval:
Common EAD Application Mistakes To Avoid
- Choosing the wrong eligibility category code on your form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization.
- Submitting incomplete EAD forms: Mailing I-765 application forms with missing pages, or with pages from different I-765 forms. Many immigration forms have bar codes on them, so the USCIS knows to reject your application when you insert pages from different application forms.
- Submitting your EAD application with the incorrect filing fee: This is one of the most common reasons for rejections and resulting delays. Depending on the type of underlying immigration application, or when it was filed, various EAD applications have different EAD filing fees.
- Failing to submit sufficient supporting documentation for the underlying immigration application. For example, you apply to renew your DACA EAD but do not provide appropriate or enough documents for your underlying DACA application.
- Signature mistakes: Failing to sign your EAD application form properly, signing in the wrong section of the form or using the wrong signature type.
- Sending your EAD application to the wrong filing location for your application: The USCIS changes the filing locations for different immigration applications and EADs, so be sure to doublecheck the address. Note: The filing address also changes depending on whether you are using the US Postal Service or courier.
If You Avoided the mistakes Listed Above – Next Steps for Your EAD Process
Here are next steps after filing an I-765 application without any errors:
First, check the USCIS website for the case processing times for EADs or work permits for your type of case.
If your application is taking longer than the USCIS processing time, it is helpful to submit an online service request to the USCIS. We find this can generate a response from a customer service officer. It can also make the USCIS look into the reason for the delay.
Secondly, monitor your case online frequently. This way you can keep track of the progress of your case and identify any problems or missed USCIS notices quickly.
Finally, if applicable, speak to your immigration attorney about filing an expedite request with the USCIS. Also ask if you qualify for any other procedures, depending on your situation to speed up your case.
For other information about how to speed up a delayed EAD, see How To Speed Up EAD or Work Permit Renewal
Why Some EADs are Approved Quickly
Some EADs are approved quickly for renewal applications because the applicant is already in the USCIS system. Also, timely filed and well documented work permit applications tend to be processed faster.
Recent Observations About EAD Processing Times
Longer EAD Validity Dates
The USCIS is approving EADS with longer validity dates of two years and longer for certain Adjustment applications and DACA renewals.
Some EAD Processing Times Depend on the Underlying Petition
The USCIS will first process the underlying immigration application such as DACA or TPS and after approval, then process the EAD applications. As a result, the USCIS encourages applicants to apply as soon as it is time for such renewals.
Speak To an Immigration Attorney
Finally, to improve your chances for immigration success, speak to your immigration lawyer about your work permit application. This way you can fix potential problems upfront, avoid Requests for Evidence and speed up the EAD processing time.
Thank you for reading this article. To schedule an appointment with our immigration lawyer, Doreen Emenike, please call us at (626) 256-8500, or book your appointment on emenikelaw.com
Related Reading: How To Speed Up EAD or Work Permit Renewal
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