U.S Immigration Guide
EAD Application Timeline
Learn when to apply for work authorization after submitting your asylum application in the U.S.
EAD Application for Asylum
For asylum applicants in the U.S., you are generally eligible to apply for work authorization (Form I-765) 150 days after the asylum application receipt date, provided no delays are caused by you. However, you cannot be issued the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) until at least 180 days after the receipt date.
Key Dates Based on Your Case:
Receipt Date: 10/29/2024
150th Day (Eligible to Apply): 03/27/2025
180th Day (EAD Can Be Issued): 04/26/2025
Next Steps:
Confirm that there have been no applicant-caused delays in your case, as this could pause the clock.
Prepare Form I-765 under category (c)(8) for asylum applicants.
Submit your application as soon as the 150-day mark is reached (03/27/2025).
What is applicant-caused delays?
Applicant-caused delays refer to actions or inactions by an asylum applicant that pause the “asylum clock,” which tracks the 150 days required to become eligible for a work authorization (EAD). These delays can temporarily halt the counting of days, potentially postponing when you can apply for your EAD.
Examples of Applicant-Caused Delays:
Requesting to Reschedule an Interview
If you ask to reschedule your asylum interview or fail to appear, it may stop the clock.Filing an Incomplete Asylum Application
Submitting an incomplete Form I-589 can cause delays until USCIS or the immigration court considers it properly filed.Failing to Appear for Appointments
Missing a biometrics appointment or an immigration court hearing can result in delays.Requesting More Time for Evidence or Submissions
If you ask for more time to gather evidence or submit additional documents, it can pause the clock.Changing Venue for Immigration Court Hearings
If you request to move your case to a different court location, it might result in delays.Filing a Motion to Reopen or Reconsider
If you file a motion that causes the case to be revisited, the clock might be paused until resolved.Withdrawing or Failing to Pursue the Asylum Application
If you withdraw your asylum claim or do not actively pursue it, the clock may stop.
How to Check Your Asylum Clock:
If your case is with USCIS, you can ask an asylum office about the status of your clock during appointments or inquiries.
For cases in immigration court, you can ask the court staff or your attorney to check the status of your clock.
Avoiding these delays ensures your eligibility for work authorization is not postponed.
Application Fees, https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees