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What is EAD AP combo card?

Author

Avery Gonzales

Updated on March 18, 2026

What is EAD AP combo card?

Issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the so-called “combo card” combines an Employment Authorization Document (also known as a work permit or EAD) with Advance Parole permission (allowing you to travel and return to the U.S. without abandoning your green card application-in-progress.)

Also, does EAD and AP come together?

The AP application was filed together with your green card application and is usually issued about 90-120 days after the date of filing. The AP is typically issued together with the Employment Authorization Document (EAD or work permit) on the same card, commonly referred to as the “EAD/AP”.

One may also ask, what is the EAD card? An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a document issued by the USCIS to authorize an alien to work in the U.S. for a period of time, usually one year. It is also called a work permit. It takes the form of a card with the alien's name, photo, and work eligibility expiration date.

Regarding this, how do I renew my EAD and AP combo card?

If you want to renew your combination EAD and Advance parole card, you should file both applications simultaneously and no more than 120 days before the expiration day of your current combination card.

What does an EAD card look like?

A1. The card looks similar to the current Employment Authorization Document (EAD) but will include text that reads, "Serves as I-512 Advance Parole". A card with this text will serve as both an employment authorization and Advance Parole document.

Can I leave us while waiting for EAD?

With an approved OPT application and your EAD card, you can travel internationally, and request entry into the U.S in F-1 status when you return, both before or after the start date on your EAD card.

How long is an EAD valid?

Most EAD cards are valid for 1-2 years and will require renewal. Within six months of the expiration date, an EAD card holder will need to file a new form I-765 to renew the EAD card to continue working in the United States. An EAD card application may also require payment of a fee to USCIS.

Can I work anywhere with EAD card?

Technically you can use the EAD card and start working anywhere but once you work outside of your employer (where you are working based on your H-1B), you will no longer be in H1B status and you would only be permitted to remain in the U.S. on the basis of the pending adjustment.

Can I travel on EAD card?

Today, depending on your category of eligibility you may be issued an EAD Card that serves as both your work authorization as well as your travel document to reenter the country after foreign travel. If your EAD card contains this statement, then you may also use it to travel outside the United States.

Can I travel without EAD card?

Students whose EAD card has not yet been issued (OPT application has not yet been approved by USCIS) are allowed to re-enter the U.S. to resume the search for employment. While your OPT application is pending, you are not required to have a job or a job offer for re-entry to the U.S.

Can you get EAD before biometrics?

There is no way the EAD could be approved before the Biometrics, for the main reason your fingerprint is engraved into the EAD Card.

Does EAD approval Mean Green Card?

An individual possessing a valid EAD can work for any U.S. employer. The I-485-based EAD provides unrestricted employment authorization. In the employment-based green card context, however, the primary beneficiary needs to have a qualifying job offer in order to obtain approval of the green card.

Can I fly domestic With EAD card?

As the list indicates, the TSA accepts a variety of forms of documentation for domestic flights. Notably for many foreign nationals, permanent resident cards and employment authorization cards are both acceptable forms of documentation for domestic flights.

Can I still work if my EAD expires?

There is no automatic work authorization grant if a renewal EAD is filed after the previous EAD has expired. The automatic work authorization would last until the earlier of 180 days have passed from the expiration of the previous EAD card or the renewal EAD application is denied.

How many times can ead be renewed?

Every year in September, when it is 120 days before the EAD expires, we will file the I-765, using eligibility category c-9, in order to renew his EAD for another year. And we can do this for multiple years until he receives his green card.

How early can ead be renewed?

Start Renewal Early
You may start as early as 180 days prior to the expiration date of your existing work authorization. In the ideal scenario, you should submit the application per se at least 90 days before the date of expiration. This is because it can take a while until you actually get the new card.

What happens if my EAD card expires?

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently taking approximately 3 months to issue renewal EAD cards. In most circumstances, if your current EAD card expires before you get your new EAD card, you will not be authorized to work until your new EAD card is approved.

Can I work while my i 765 is pending?

So, if you filed an I-765 with your status adjustment petition, you will have to wait for the I-765 to be adjudicated by the USCIS before you can work. Any work you engage in without a valid work visa or an employment authorization card will be considered unauthorized employment.

Is there a fee for EAD renewal?

The USCIS filing fee for form I-765 is $410 for renewals in general. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients who are filing for renewal of their status are also supposed to pay $85 for biometric fees in addition to the usual renewal fee.

Do I need to pay for EAD renewal?

If you are filing for renewal of your I-765, there is a filing fee you must pay before your application could be considered. The payment is to be made with your form submission and the amount for this is $380.

What happens to EAD if I 485 is denied?

If the individual's I-485 is subsequently denied, the EAD card automatically terminates. However, many people are confused by the fact that the card, in the records of USCIS has been terminated, but is not taken away from them. They think that they can continue to work on the card until it expires. This is not correct.

How long does it take to get green card after EAD?

The standard processing time for a work permit is 2 – 5 months. Immigrants who file for a work permit concurrently with their Green Card application typically fall on the longer side of that estimate, with most Green Card applicants receiving their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in about 150 days.

Who is eligible for EAD card?

Eligible Dependents of Employees from International Organizations, Diplomatic Missions, or NATO. Employment-Based Nonimmigrant (such as spouses of L-1 visa, or E-1 visa) Family Based Nonimmigrant (such as fiancé visa, or K-3 visa dependent)

What documents are required for EAD?

The following documents are required to submit an application for H4 visa EAD:
  • Fee Payment.
  • Form I-765, Application For Employment Authorization.
  • A copy of Form I-94, non immigrant arrival/departure record (front and back, if applicable).
  • A copy of your last EAD (front and back), if available.
  • 2 identical photographs.

What are the EAD categories?

EAD Category code falls under the eligible category as classified by USCIS as listed ( see below): A03, A05, A07, A08, A10, C08, C09, C10, C16, C20, C22, C24, C31, and A12 or C19.

How long can you have an EAD?

one year

When should I apply for EAD?

An applicant can apply for an EAD either along with an I-485 application or any time after that as long as an I-485 application is pending. If the EAD is not issued by USCIS service center within 90 days, an applicant can obtain an interim EAD at the local district office.

What is EAD number on EAD card?

As the name suggests, employment authorization card (EAD) authorizes the person to work in the United States. It is also known as form I-766. A#: Alien number. Anyone who is authorized to work in the U.S. will have A number.

What is a c09?

These cryptic-looking codes refer to different categories of EAD-card recipients. They are all listed on the instructions of the form I-765 posted on the USCIS website. The most popular is probably C09 for people who obtain a work permit because they have a pending adjustment of status within the United States.

Can I have two EAD cards?

Yes you can have two EAD under two different I-485 eligibility. Also you can ask USCIS to consolidate the I-485s under one filing for AOS under one A# (which should be the case by now). Both EADs will remain valid as long as their underlying conditions remain valid.

Can I work while waiting for work permit?

You can work full-time while waiting for a decision on your post-graduation work permit application if, at the time you submitted your application, you: had a valid study permit, had completed your program of study, did not work off-campus more than 20 hours a week during academic sessions.

Can I apply for EAD before entering US?

No you must be in the U.S. in L-2 status in order to apply - when you are outside the U.S. you hold no immigration status in the U.S.

Can I travel to Canada with EAD card?

Registered Users (C) EAD and AP are only for work authorization and travel document related to US. It has nothing to do with your Canada visit. You need to get your Canadian Visa at the nearest consulate of your area and maybe you can use your Advance Parole to re-enter USA.

What does EAD stand for?

employment authorization document

What is the difference between EAD and green card?

Difference Between EAD card vs Green Card
For starters, a green card is an end goal while an EAD card is a means to achieve that goal. A green card's main purpose is to identify a foreign individual as a person who has lawful permanent resident status.

What is category c09p on an employment authorization card?

USCIS EAD Category Codes
CodeEAD Code Eligibilty
C06M-1 student seeking practical training after completing studies
C07Dependent of NATO-1 through NATO-7 non-immigrant
C08Asylum applicant (w/ pending asylum application) who filed for asylum on or after January 4, 1995
C09Adjustment of status applicant

How can I check the status of my EAD?

How to Check USCIS Case Status Online
  1. Go to my USCIS Case Status Search Case Status Online.
  2. Enter your 13-digit receipt number in box below "Enter your receipt number".
  3. Click on the "Check Status" button and wait.
  4. Once the page refreshes you will see information about your case.

Is there a fee for I 765 if filed with I 485?

If you submit the Form I-765 with an immediate family based green card application (Form I-485), then the fee is automatically waived. If you're filing the Form I-765 separately, the filing fee is $410. You must also pay an additional $85 biometric services fee, for a total of $495.

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