I-765 Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

A Combo Card is a single card that combines both EAD (employment authorization) and Advance Parole (travel document) functions. I-485 applicants may receive a Combo Card, eliminating the need for separate documents. The Combo Card displays validity periods for both EAD and AP. Using the Combo Card to travel internationally is equivalent to using AP. Not all I-485 applicants receive a Combo Card — some receive separate EAD and AP documents.

It depends on the category. For I-485 pending category ((c)(9)) EAD holders, if the renewal application (I-765) is timely filed before expiration, the EAD is automatically extended for 180 days (Auto-Extension). Legal employment may continue during the auto-extension period. However, not all EAD categories qualify for auto-extension. Filing the renewal at least 180 days before expiration is recommended to avoid any gap in work authorization.

H-4 spouses may apply for an EAD if: the H-1B principal's I-140 immigrant petition has been approved, or the H-1B principal has received an H-1B extension beyond the 6-year limit (under AC21). Once eligible, the H-4 spouse files I-765 (category code (c)(26)). The H-4 EAD validity typically matches the H-4 status validity period. Note: the H-4 EAD policy has faced multiple rescission attempts but remains in effect as of this writing.

Most EAD categories allow the holder to work for any U.S. employer (Open Market EAD) without industry or employer restrictions. A few categories have employer-specific limitations. I-485 pending EAD ((c)(9)) and OPT EAD ((c)(3)) are both open-market, permitting work for any employer. EAD holders may also be self-employed, though OPT employment must be related to the field of study.