EAD

Government & Politics abbreviation · Public Program

EAD
Stands forEmployment Authorization Document
CategoriesGovernment & Politics

EAD stands for Employment Authorization Document, a public program abbreviation.

Card issued by USCIS proving that a noncitizen is allowed to work in the United States for a specific period. Asylum applicants, DACA and TPS recipients, some spouses of visa holders and students on OPT are among those who receive one.

Example: He showed his EAD and Social Security card to complete the I-9 at his new job.

Usage notes

The document is Form I-766 and is requested on Form I-765. Green card holders and citizens do not need one, since their status already allows work. Processing delays have caused many workers to lose jobs between expiration and renewal.

More public program abbreviations

  • COLA – Cost-of-living adjustment
  • CPS – Child Protective Services
  • CSR – Cost-sharing reductions
  • CTC – Child Tax Credit
  • DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
  • DV – Diversity Immigrant Visa
  • EB-5 – EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
  • EBT – Electronic Benefit Transfer
  • EIDL – Economic Injury Disaster Loan
  • EITC – Earned Income Tax Credit
  • ESTA – Electronic System for Travel Authorization
  • FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid

See all 65 public program abbreviations →