You Got Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Now What?
If you applied for a green card through adjustment of status and received an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in category C‑9, you are now legally authorized to work in the United States. Here’s how to use your EAD to take care of other essential steps.
Step 1: Start Working Using Form I‑9
To begin a new job, you must complete Form I‑9, which verifies your identity and authorization to work in the United States.
Your Employment Authorization Document is a List “A” document for I‑9 purposes. This means it alone proves both your identity and your work eligibility.
What to provide your employer:
- A valid, unexpired EAD card.
Step 2: Apply for Your Social Security Number (SSN)
Receiving your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) does not automatically mean you will receive a Social Security card.
USCIS and the Social Security Administration (SSA) no longer automatically issue SSN cards to most EAD holders, even if an SSN request was included on Form I-765.
What You Should Do:
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Do not wait for an SSN card to arrive in the mail after receiving your EAD.
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Instead, contact or visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office to apply for your SSN.
If you previously requested an SSN on your EAD application, the SSA may already have a record of the request, but you will still likely need to appear in person to complete the process. Once approved, your SSN card will be mailed to you directly by the SSA.
Step 3: Apply for a Driver’s License
Many state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) will allow you to apply for a driver’s license using your Employment Authorization Document, even while your adjustment of status application is pending.
Documents commonly required at the DMV:
- EAD card (Form I‑766)
- Your Form I‑94 (arrival/departure record)
- Your SSN, or a letter from the SSA if you are waiting for one
States verify immigration status using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program. If the DMV cannot verify your status right away, they may need to conduct additional checks, which can take several days.
Check your state’s DMV website for specific rules and requirements.
Quick Checklist
| Task | What You Need | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Form I‑9 | EAD card | No other documents required |
| Get SSN | EAD card + I‑485 receipt | Apply at SSA if not issued automatically |
| Driver’s License | EAD, I‑94, SSN or SSA letter | SAVE may delay processing |
Final Notes
Receiving your Employment Authorization Document while your green card application is pending gives you access to important benefits. Be sure to keep track of expiration dates, follow up with agencies if you face delays, and retain copies of all your documents.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
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If you have questions regarding a U.S. immigration matter, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
REBECCA KROLL is an Associate Attorney at Richards and Jurusik who practices exclusively in U.S. immigration law, focusing on both business and family-based immigration. She assists clients with employment-based visas, marriage and family cases, and the U.S. citizenship process. (Full Bio)
