Enter your EAD card issue date and validity period to calculate the exact expiration date. Know when to file Form I-765 for renewal and avoid any gap in your employment authorization.
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD), sometimes called a work permit, is issued by USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) to non-citizens who are authorised to work in the United States. The EAD card itself expires, and working after expiry — even if you have filed for renewal — can create serious immigration complications.
The expiry date is printed clearly on the front of the card. However, knowing that date far in advance is critical because USCIS recommends filing the renewal application (Form I-765) at least 180 days (6 months) before the card expires. Processing times can run 3–8 months, and if your renewal is not approved before the old card expires, you may face an authorisation gap where you cannot legally work.
| EAD Category | Typical Validity | Renewal Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Pending adjustment of status (I-485) | 1–2 years | File 180 days before expiry |
| F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training) | 12 months | Apply during OPT period |
| F-1 STEM OPT Extension | 24 months | Apply before OPT expiry |
| DACA (Deferred Action) | 2 years | File 120–150 days before expiry |
| TPS (Temporary Protected Status) | Varies (6–18 months) | File during renewal window |
| Asylum Pending | 1–2 years | File 180 days before expiry |
| H-4 EAD (H-1B dependent) | Tied to H-1B validity | File with H-4 extension |
If your EAD expires and you have not filed for renewal or your renewal has not been approved, you are no longer authorised to work. Continuing to work on an expired EAD can jeopardise your immigration status and future applications. Your employer is legally required to verify employment authorisation — an expired card will fail the I-9 verification process.
However, there is an automatic extension rule for certain categories. If you filed a timely renewal application (before your EAD expired) and your category qualifies, USCIS may grant an automatic 180-day extension beyond the expiry date while your renewal is pending. Check USCIS.gov for the current list of qualifying categories.