What is an Employment Authorization Card Number?
An Employment Authorization Card Number, often referred to as an EAD number, is a unique identifier assigned to individuals who have been granted the legal right to work in the United States. This card, officially known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to eligible non-citizens. The EAD number plays a crucial role in verifying an individual’s employment eligibility and is essential for various employment-related activities.
The EAD card is a plastic card with a barcode that contains the individual’s personal information, including their name, photograph, and the EAD number. This number is a sequence of nine digits, typically formatted as XXX-XXX-XXXX, where “X” represents a numeric digit. The EAD number is crucial for several reasons:
1. Verification of Employment Eligibility: Employers are required by law to verify the employment eligibility of all new hires. The EAD number helps employers confirm that the individual is authorized to work in the United States. Employers can use the EAD number to check the individual’s employment authorization status through the E-Verify system, a web-based tool operated by USCIS.
2. Opening a Bank Account: Banks and financial institutions often require individuals to provide their EAD number to open a bank account. This number helps verify the individual’s identity and employment status, ensuring that they are eligible to receive financial services.
3. Applying for Government Services: Many government services, such as driver’s licenses and public assistance programs, require individuals to provide their EAD number as proof of employment authorization.
4. Travel and Re-entry: Non-citizens who have been granted employment authorization may need to travel outside the United States and return. The EAD number is essential for obtaining a re-entry permit, which allows individuals to return to the United States after traveling abroad.
5. Renewing Employment Authorization: Individuals with temporary employment authorization must renew their EAD card before it expires. The EAD number is used to track the expiration date and renewal process.
It is important to note that the EAD number is not a visa or a work permit in itself. It is simply a way to identify and verify the employment authorization granted by USCIS. Individuals should keep their EAD card in a safe place and ensure that it is not lost or stolen, as it is a critical document for employment and other important activities in the United States.
