Depending on the type of US Visa, foreign nationals are given an Employment Authorization Document(EAD) by USCIS that allows them to work in the US. USCIS identifies this work authorization-related EAD given for a type of visa by a category code.
Identifying the correct EAD category code is essential during the application process and renewal to ensure you get the EAD card with the correct code on it. This article will provide details on the Employment Authorization Document(EAD) Category Codes, the complete list of the codes, and what categories are eligible for the 540-day automatic extension.
Before we get into the list of total EAD codes, let’s look at some background of the EAD Code and how it appears on the actual card.
What is Employment Authorization Document Code or EAD Code?
USCIS provides work authorization to certain visa holders and spouses in the US. Eligible individuals need to apply with USCIS using form I-765 and specify their category of work authorization in the application. In the context of US immigration, this category of employment authorization is nothing but the Employment Authorization Document(EAD) Code.
The EAD code is also visible on the Employment Authorization Card (EAD) card issued by the USCIS. The EAD Card issued by USCIS is also called as I-766 form. Don’t be confused with the name form after I-766, it is nothing but the EAD Card.
Below is a screenshot of the latest EAD Card re-designed in 2023. It has the EAD Category Code circled for your reference.
Below is a screenshot of the previous EAD Card that was issued before 2023. You can see the Category Code pointed with red arrow for your reference.
Also, the EAD category codes are completely different from Green Card Category Codes. Even though they look the same or similar, they mean completely different things.
For example, the C26 code under the EAD Category code means EAD given for H4 visa holders. But, the C26 code under the Green Card category codes is given for spouses of Lawful Permanent Residents, who are subject to country limits and get green cards using the adjustment of status option. So, do not be confused.
Upto 540 Days Automatic Extension of EAD to Work
As part of the USCIS modernization efforts, fin April 2024, USCIS announced that depending on the category code of the EAD issued by USCIS, one can work for up to 540 days while the EAD application is pending with USCIS. This is called the 540-day automatic extension of EAD. ‘
Later, in December 2024, USCIS published a final rule in the federal register that permanently increased the EAD automatic extension period from 180 days to 540 days. You can read more in the article: USCIS Final rule increased EAD automatic extension to 540 days.
In the past, the automatic extension period for EAD was 180 days. This was increased to 540 days by USCIS using the proper rulemaking process.
Conditions for Automatic 540 Days Extension of EAD for Certain Category Codes
- Properly filed EAD renewal before current EAD Expiration. It means that you should have the “received date” on the receipt notice of EAD before the “card expires date” on the EAD card. Also, the “received date” is on or after May 4, 2022.
- EAD Category code falls under the eligible category as classified by USCIS as listed ( see below): A03, A05, A07, A08, A10, A17*, A18*, C08, C09, C10, C16, C20, C22, C26*, C24, C31, and A12 or C19.
- Also, the Category Code on your current valid EAD Card matches with the “Class Requested” or “Eligibility Category” on the EAD receipt notice.
* Only certain employees who file the EAD timely before the Form I-94 expiration, using I-765 are eligible for categories of A17, A18, and C26 are eligible for the automatic extension.
List of EAD Category Codes with 540 Days Automatic Eligibility Info
USCIS EAD Category Code | EAD Category Eligibility Description | 540 Days Automatic Extension Eligibility |
A02 | A lawful temporary resident pursuant to sections 245A or 210 of the INA | No |
A03 | Refugee | Yes |
A04 | Paroled as refugee | No |
A05 | Asylee (granted asylum) | Yes |
A06 |
| No |
A07 |
| Yes |
A08 | Citizen of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands or Palau admitted as a nonimmigrant | Yes |
A09 |
| No |
A10 | Granted Withholding of Deportation or Removal | Yes |
A11 | Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) | No |
A12 | Temporary Protected Status (TPS) granted under 8 CFR 244.12 | Yes |
A13 | IMMACT Family Unity beneficiary (Section 301 of the Immigration Act of 1990) | No |
A14 | LIFE Act Family Unity beneficiary (Section 1504 of the Legal Immigrant Family Equity (LIFE) Act Amendments) | No |
A15 |
| No |
A16 | T-1 nonimmigrant (victims of severe forms of trafficking) | No |
A17 |
| Yes* (*timely filing before I-94 expiry) Upto 540 days or before I-94 expiration, whichever is earlier. |
A18 | L2 spouse of an L1 visa intracompany transfer | Yes* (*timely filing before I-94 expiry) Upto 540 days or before I-94 expiration, whichever is earlier. |
A19 | U1 nonimmigrant (victims of certain criminal activity) | No |
A20 |
| No |
C01 | Dependent of A-1 or A-2 foreign government official | No |
C02 | Dependent of TECRO (Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office) E-1 Non-immigrant | No |
C03A | Pre-completion OPT F1 visa students | No |
C03B | Post-completion OPT F1 visa students | No |
C03C | 24-month extension for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) OPT students | No |
C03(ii) | F-1 student offered off-campus employment under the Sponsorship of Qualifying International Organization | No |
C03(iii) | F-1 student seeking off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship | No |
C04 | Spouse or unmarried dependent child of G-1, G-3 or G-4 nonimmigrant (Representative of International Organization and their dependents) | No |
C05 | J-2 spouse or minor child of a J-1 exchange visitor | No |
C06 | M-1 student seeking practical training after completing studies | No |
C07 | Dependent of NATO-1 through NATO-7 nonimmigrant | No |
C08 | Asylum applicant (w/ pending asylum application) who filed for asylum on or after January 4, 1995 | Yes |
C09 | Adjustment of status applicant | Yes |
C10 |
| Yes |
C11 | An alien paroled into the United States in the public interest or temporarily for emergency reasons | No |
C12 | Spouse of an E-2 Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) investor; eligible for employment in the CNMI only | No |
C14 | Alien granted deferred action | No |
C16 | Registry applicant based on continuous residence since January 1, 1972 | Yes |
C17(i) | B1 nonimmigrant who is the personal or domestic servant of a nonimmigrant employer | No |
C17(ii) | B1 nonimmigrant domestic servant of a U.S. citizen | No |
C17(iii) | B1 nonimmigrant employed by foreign airline | No |
C18 | Alien with a final order of deportation/order of supervision; | No |
C19 | Temporary Protected Status applicant under 8 CFR 244.5 | Yes |
C20 | Alien who has filed a completed legalization application for special agricultural workers | Yes |
C21 | S visa non-immigrant | No |
C22 | Alien who has filed a completed legalization application under INA 245A | Yes |
C23 | Irish peace process (Q-2) | |
C24 | LIFE legalization applicant | Yes |
C25 |
| No |
C26 | Certain H4 Visa spouses of H1B holders, qualify for it. Check Apply H4 EAD Guide | Yes* (*timely filing before I-94 expiry) Upto 540 days or before I-94 expiration, whichever is earlier. |
C27 | Abused spouse of an A nonimmigrant | No |
C28 | Abused spouse of an E-3 nonimmigrant | No |
C29 | Abused spouse of a G nonimmigrant | No |
C30 | Abused spouse of an H nonimmigrant | No |
C31 |
| Yes |
C33 | An alien who has been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) | No |
C35 | The principal beneficiary of an approved employment-based immigrant petition facing compelling circumstances | No |
C36 | Spouse or unmarried child of a principal beneficiary of an approved employment-based immigrant petition facing compelling circumstances | No |
Yes, they both are the same. The main difference is that, when you enter the EAD Category Code, you would enter it with parenthesis, and when that is printed on the EAD Card, it will be turned into upper case and parenthesis are removed.
Example: EAD Category Code for F1 Visa Post-completion OPT is C03B on the EAD Card, but when you apply, you would enter it in form as (c)(3)(B) as per I-765 instructions. Technically, both are the same. If you notice, the parenthesis is removed and a zero is added in front for the same on the EAD card.
No, only F1 OPT and STEM OPT extension applicants can file the I-765 form online. The provision for online submission was added for F1 Students in April 2021. Check the USCIS press release
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