EAD and SSN
Is it possible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and a Social Security Number (SSN) at the same time?
In the standard process for obtaining an EAD and SSN, as described here, you must first file Form i-765 150 days after receiving Form i-589. This process is known as filing Category (c)(8) asylum applicants.
However, if you have an i-94 number (usually those who have gone through CBP One or entered by automobile) or other document with Parole status, you can apply for work authorization immediately without filing Form i-589. This process is known as a Category (c)(11) filing. It is also referred to as "expedited" filing.
What are the differences and which is the better choice?
Category (c)(8):
Minuses:
- Need to first file Form i-589 and wait 150 days before filing the i-765 EAD and SSN.
Pros:
+ Completely free filing. No need to pay any filing fees or biometric data collection fees.
+ The waiting period to receive the EAD is only 30 days (as per the law). Thus, the total waiting period is 180 days after receipt of Form i-589 (150 days to wait and 30 days to receive the EAD).
December 22 update: the average waiting period is 2-3 months instead of 30 days.
+ Permit is issued for 5 years.
Category (c)(11):
Pros:
+ No need to file Form i-589 and wait before filing i-765 -> there is an option to get EAD and SSN quickly.
+ It won't prevent you from doing Form i-589 and the standard Category (c)(8) filing at the same time.
Cons:
- The cost of the state fee is $410. The fee is paid immediately and is not refundable even if you are denied.
You can avoid this fee if you have documentary evidence of low income, such as free health insurance or an EBT (foodstamps) card.
To do this, you will also need to file Form I-912 along with I-765. In this case, you can only submit the application by mail.
Update December 22: Ukrainian citizens will not be charged the fee.
- The waiting period is unlimited and depends on the office where the application was filed. For example, as of early 2022, the waiting period for the Texas office ranges from 1.5 to 12 months, for the Nebraska office from 4 to 9.5 months, and for the National Benefit Center from 8 to 12 months. You can check the current wait times to get an EAD here.
Thus, you may have to wait even longer for your authorization than the standard route.
It is only possible to expedite the review if you have a compelling reason to do so. To do so, you must submit a Request for Expedited Review.
Update September 2023 - 30 days review time is promised!
- The authorization is granted for the duration of the i-94. Thus, you will receive a work authorization for several months.
- It is almost impossible and impractical to renew the permit. To renew a c11 permit, you must first renew the i-94 (which is almost impossible) and then resubmit the I-765 and pay the fee.
Therefore, you still need to file Form i-589 so that by the time the i-94 expires, you can already file a new application under the c8 category (free of charge).
Final Tip: If you have Parole status, we recommend filing Form I-765 right away. Especially if you have benefits or the financial ability to pay the fee. In addition, we recommend filing Form i-589 as soon as possible so that you can obtain a new (c)(8) work authorization before the i-94 expires.
In the standard process for obtaining an EAD and SSN, as described here, you must first file Form i-765 150 days after receiving Form i-589. This process is known as filing Category (c)(8) asylum applicants.
However, if you have an i-94 number (usually those who have gone through CBP One or entered by automobile) or other document with Parole status, you can apply for work authorization immediately without filing Form i-589. This process is known as a Category (c)(11) filing. It is also referred to as "expedited" filing.
What are the differences and which is the better choice?
Category (c)(8):
Minuses:
- Need to first file Form i-589 and wait 150 days before filing the i-765 EAD and SSN.
Pros:
+ Completely free filing. No need to pay any filing fees or biometric data collection fees.
+ The waiting period to receive the EAD is only 30 days (as per the law). Thus, the total waiting period is 180 days after receipt of Form i-589 (150 days to wait and 30 days to receive the EAD).
December 22 update: the average waiting period is 2-3 months instead of 30 days.
+ Permit is issued for 5 years.
Category (c)(11):
Pros:
+ No need to file Form i-589 and wait before filing i-765 -> there is an option to get EAD and SSN quickly.
+ It won't prevent you from doing Form i-589 and the standard Category (c)(8) filing at the same time.
Cons:
- The cost of the state fee is $410. The fee is paid immediately and is not refundable even if you are denied.
You can avoid this fee if you have documentary evidence of low income, such as free health insurance or an EBT (foodstamps) card.
To do this, you will also need to file Form I-912 along with I-765. In this case, you can only submit the application by mail.
Update December 22: Ukrainian citizens will not be charged the fee.
- The waiting period is unlimited and depends on the office where the application was filed. For example, as of early 2022, the waiting period for the Texas office ranges from 1.5 to 12 months, for the Nebraska office from 4 to 9.5 months, and for the National Benefit Center from 8 to 12 months. You can check the current wait times to get an EAD here.
Thus, you may have to wait even longer for your authorization than the standard route.
It is only possible to expedite the review if you have a compelling reason to do so. To do so, you must submit a Request for Expedited Review.
Update September 2023 - 30 days review time is promised!
- The authorization is granted for the duration of the i-94. Thus, you will receive a work authorization for several months.
- It is almost impossible and impractical to renew the permit. To renew a c11 permit, you must first renew the i-94 (which is almost impossible) and then resubmit the I-765 and pay the fee.
Therefore, you still need to file Form i-589 so that by the time the i-94 expires, you can already file a new application under the c8 category (free of charge).
Final Tip: If you have Parole status, we recommend filing Form I-765 right away. Especially if you have benefits or the financial ability to pay the fee. In addition, we recommend filing Form i-589 as soon as possible so that you can obtain a new (c)(8) work authorization before the i-94 expires.