What Is the Typical EAD Timeline After Biometrics?
After biometrics completion, EAD applications enter the adjudication queue. Service center officers review applications and, assuming no issues, approve the EAD. Card production and mailing add approximately one to two weeks after approval.
Current processing times vary by service center. The Nebraska Service Center, Texas Service Center, and other facilities processing EADs have different workloads and timelines. Check the processing time for your specific service center and category.
Many applicants receive EADs within three months of biometrics. However, some wait significantly longer due to processing backlogs or case-specific issues. The 90-day processing goal is not a guarantee.
How Do You Track EAD Processing?
Monitor your case through your USCIS online account. Your I-765 (EAD application) status will update when USCIS takes action on your case.
Status updates typically include receipt, biometrics appointment, case actively being reviewed, approval, and card production/mailing. Not all steps generate status updates, and updates may lag behind actual processing.
If your processing time exceeds the posted estimate for your service center, you can submit an inquiry through the USCIS Contact Center or your online account. This inquiry asks USCIS to check on your case status.
What Causes EAD Processing Delays?
Application errors are a common delay cause. Missing signatures, incorrect forms, inadequate photos, or fee payment problems can delay processing. USCIS may return applications with significant errors or issue RFEs for correctable issues.
Background check delays affect some EAD applicants. While EAD background checks are typically faster than green card background checks, some applicants experience delays at this stage.
High application volume creates systemic delays. When more applications are filed than USCIS can process efficiently, everyone's timeline extends. Processing backlogs affect even perfectly prepared applications.
How Do RFEs Delay EAD Processing?
Requests for Evidence pause processing until you respond. USCIS identifies an issue or missing information and requests additional documentation. Your response deadline is typically 30 to 60 days.
After you submit your RFE response, USCIS must review it before continuing adjudication. This adds processing time beyond the initial timeline. Complex RFE responses may require additional review.
Prevent RFEs by submitting complete, accurate applications initially. Include all required documentation, proper photos meeting USCIS photo requirements, and correct forms with complete information.
What Issues Cause EAD Denials?
EAD denials for I-485 applicants are uncommon if the underlying I-485 is properly filed and pending. The (c)(9) EAD category is available to applicants with pending adjustment of status applications.
Denials can occur if your I-485 was denied or withdrawn. If the underlying adjustment application is no longer pending, you no longer qualify for the (c)(9) EAD category.
Failure to respond to RFEs within the deadline results in denial. If USCIS requests evidence and you do not respond in time, your application will be denied regardless of its underlying merits.
Can Denied EADs Be Appealed?
EAD denials generally cannot be appealed to the AAO. However, you can file a new EAD application if you remain eligible and address whatever issue caused the initial denial.
If the denial was based on error, contact USCIS to request correction. Erroneous denials due to USCIS mistake can sometimes be corrected through service request or inquiry.
Consult an immigration attorney if your EAD is denied unexpectedly. Understanding why the denial occurred helps determine appropriate next steps.
How Does Expedited Processing Work for EADs?
USCIS allows expedite requests for EADs in limited circumstances. Qualifying situations include severe financial loss to company or person, emergency situations, humanitarian reasons, nonprofit organization requests, Department of Defense or national interest situations, and USCIS error.
Expedite requests must explain why your situation qualifies and provide supporting evidence. Simply needing the EAD for employment is not sufficient—you must demonstrate circumstances beyond normal processing needs.
Submit expedite requests through the USCIS Contact Center or online inquiry system. Include your receipt number and detailed explanation with evidence supporting your request.
What Evidence Supports Expedite Requests?
For severe financial loss, provide documentation showing the financial impact of EAD delay. Job offers with start dates, termination notices, or evidence of inability to meet basic needs support these requests.
For medical emergencies, provide documentation of the emergency and how it relates to needing the EAD. Letters from medical providers, hospital documentation, or other evidence helps.
Expedite approval is not guaranteed even with strong evidence. USCIS has discretion and does not approve all qualifying requests. If your request is denied, you can try again with additional evidence.
What Are Combo Cards and How Do They Differ?
Combo cards combine Employment Authorization Document and Advance Parole on a single card. I-485 applicants who filed I-765 (EAD) and I-131 (Advance Parole) together receive combo cards showing both authorizations.
Processing for combo cards follows similar timelines as standalone EADs. The combined processing does not significantly change approval timing compared to EAD alone.
The combo card allows both work authorization and travel on a single document. This is convenient but does not provide faster processing or different adjudication treatment.
Should You Apply for EAD and AP Together?
Most I-485 applicants benefit from filing EAD and Advance Parole together. The applications share the same fee when filed with I-485, and receiving both authorizations provides maximum flexibility.
If you do not anticipate international travel, you could skip the Advance Parole application. However, since the fee is included with I-485 filing, most applicants file both for flexibility even if travel is uncertain.
Filing together does not delay EAD processing. The applications are processed together, and you receive a combo card rather than separate documents.
