Work Permit (EAD) Attorney in Tampa, Florida

A work permit, formally known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), is the document that authorizes you to work legally in the United States. Without it, working is not permitted regardless of how long you have lived here or what other immigration applications you have pending. For many immigrants, maintaining valid work authorization is just as urgent as the underlying immigration case itself.

Mora Immigration Group and Tampa immigration attorney Miguel Mora help clients throughout Florida and nationwide apply for and renew work permits across a wide range of immigration categories.

Who Qualifies for a Work Permit?

Work authorization is not available to everyone, but it applies to a broader range of situations than many people realize. You may be eligible for an EAD if you are in one of the following categories:

  • Adjustment of Status applicants: If you have filed Form I-485 to apply for a green card inside the United States, you are generally eligible to apply for a work permit while your case is pending. This is one of the most common EAD categories and can be filed at the same time as your I-485.

  • DACA recipients: Current DACA recipients receive work authorization as part of their DACA grant and must renew it along with their DACA status every two years.

  • Asylum applicants: If you have had a pending asylum application for at least 150 days without a decision caused by your own delay, you may be eligible for an asylum-based EAD. Timing and clock management matter significantly in asylum EAD cases.

  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Nationals of designated TPS countries are eligible for work authorization while TPS is in effect for their country.

  • VAWA self-petitioners: Survivors of abuse who have filed a VAWA self-petition may apply for work authorization while their petition is pending.

  • U-Visa applicants: Certain crime victims with a pending U-Visa petition may be eligible for work authorization.

  • T-Visa applicants: Survivors of human trafficking who have filed for a T-Visa may qualify for work authorization.

  • Parolees and certain humanitarian entrants: Individuals admitted under specific humanitarian parole programs may be eligible for work authorization depending on the terms of their parole.

  • Spouses of certain visa holders: Spouses of some nonimmigrant visa holders, including certain H-1B and L-1 holders, may be eligible for their own work authorization.

  • Other qualifying categories: Work authorization is available in additional categories not listed here. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, a consultation is the right first step.

Applying for a Work Permit

Most EAD applications are filed using Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The form must be filed with the correct eligibility category code, supporting documentation specific to your situation, and the applicable filing fee. Filing with the wrong category code or missing documentation can result in a denial or a Request for Evidence that delays your authorization.

For adjustment of status applicants, the I-765 can be filed concurrently with Form I-485, which is strongly recommended. Filing together allows USCIS to process both applications simultaneously and can significantly reduce the time before you receive work authorization.

After filing, most applicants will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center. Tampa-area applicants attend biometrics at the Tampa ASC. Once biometrics are complete, USCIS processes the application and mails the EAD card when approved.

Renewing Your Work Permit

EADs are not permanent. Most are issued for one or two years depending on the category and must be renewed before they expire. USCIS recommends filing your renewal application at least 180 days before your current EAD expires. Filing early protects against gaps in your work authorization if processing times are longer than expected.

A gap in work authorization means you cannot legally work until your renewed EAD is approved and in hand. For most people that is not a theoretical inconvenience, it is an immediate financial problem. Filing on time is critical.

If your EAD has already expired or is about to expire, contact the firm as soon as possible to assess your options.

The 180-Day Automatic Extension

If you file your EAD renewal application before your current EAD expires and your renewal is filed in the same category as your expiring EAD, you may be eligible for an automatic 180-day extension of your work authorization while USCIS processes your renewal. This extension is not printed on a card. It is documented by presenting your expired EAD together with your Form I-797 receipt notice showing that your timely renewal is pending.

Not all EAD categories qualify for the automatic extension. We advise clients on whether their category qualifies and make sure they have the documentation they need to continue working legally during the processing period.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged EADs

If your EAD has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement by filing Form I-765 with evidence that you are a current authorization holder, such as your most recent approval notice. Note that if you are a DACA recipient replacing a lost or damaged EAD, you should not file Form I-821D along with the I-765 for a replacement. Filing the I-821D in that situation will result in a denial and a non-refundable fee loss. We make sure the right forms are filed in the right combination for your specific situation.

What We Help With

  • Initial EAD applications across all qualifying categories

  • Concurrent I-765 filing with adjustment of status applications

  • EAD renewals and timely refiling strategy

  • Asylum-based EAD applications and 180-Day Clock management

  • Automatic extension documentation and employer guidance

  • Replacement EADs for lost, stolen, or damaged cards

  • Responding to Requests for Evidence on EAD applications

  • Advising employers and employees on acceptable work authorization documents

Your Work Authorization Matters

Working without authorization, even unintentionally, can have serious consequences for your immigration case. And waiting too long to file a renewal can leave you unable to work for months while USCIS catches up. Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing before an expiration, getting it right and filing on time protects both your livelihood and your immigration future.

Schedule your free 30-minute phone consultation at immigrationtampa.com/book, call (813) 815-VISA, or email miguel@mig.law. Hablamos español.