Glossary · USCIS forms
EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
Open-market work authorization, issued on Form I-765 in various categories (H-4, AOS-pending, Compelling Circumstances).
An EAD authorizes you to work for any employer in the US. Different category codes apply to different bases: C(26) for H-4 dependents whose principal has an approved I-140, C(09) for AOS-pending applicants, C(35) for Compelling Circumstances EAD (1-year increments for I-140 holders facing compelling circumstances). USCIS ended automatic 540-day extensions in October 2025 — gap-free renewal requires filing well before expiry.
Related terms
I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
Files for an EAD card. Used for H-4 spouses, Compelling Circumstances EAD, and AOS-pending workers.
H-4 EAD
Work authorization for H-4 spouses whose H-1B principal has an approved I-140 pending or older.
Compelling Circumstances EAD
1-year work authorization for principal beneficiaries of approved I-140s facing compelling circumstances. Heavily under-used.
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