Refugee EAD Renewal in Glendale: Work Permit Extension for Refugee Families

Quick Answer

Glendale, home to one of the largest Armenian and Arab communities in Southern California with significant populations of Iraqi, Syrian, and Lebanese refugees, serves as a critical resettlement hub in the greater Los Angeles area. Many refugee families in Glendale depend on continuous work authorization to support their households. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance to refugee families in Glendale who need to renew their Employment Authorization Documents without gaps in work authorization.

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Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Refugee EAD Overview: Understanding Your Work Authorization

When you arrive in the United States as a refugee, you receive work authorization as part of your refugee status. The initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is issued shortly after arrival and is valid for 2 years. Unlike asylum-based EADs that require meeting the asylum clock requirements, refugee EADs are granted automatically because refugees receive work authorization as a matter of right under U.S. immigration law.

Refugees are authorized to work in the United States incident to their refugee status under INA Section 207. The EAD card serves as physical proof of this authorization and is required by employers for Form I-9 verification. Without a valid EAD, employers cannot legally continue your employment, even though your underlying refugee status remains valid.

The refugee EAD falls under category (a)(3) on Form I-765, which specifically covers refugees admitted under Section 207 of the INA. This is different from asylum-based EADs (category (a)(5)) and has distinct processing rules and timelines. Understanding this distinction is important because it affects filing requirements, fees, and automatic extension eligibility.

Renewal Eligibility: Who Qualifies for Refugee EAD Renewal

Refugee EAD renewal eligibility is straightforward, but certain situations require attention. The following individuals qualify for refugee EAD renewal in the (a)(3) category:

•Refugees admitted to the United States under Section 207 of the INA who have not yet adjusted status to lawful permanent resident
•Refugees whose current EAD is expiring within the next 180 days or has already expired
•Derivative refugees (spouse and children who received refugee status through the principal refugee)
•Refugees who have filed Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) but have not yet received their green card — they may file under category (a)(3) or (c)(9)
•Refugees who previously held an EAD but let it lapse — they can still file for renewal based on their ongoing refugee status

Required Documents for Refugee EAD Renewal

Gathering the correct documents before filing prevents delays and requests for evidence (RFEs). Refugee EAD renewal requires the following:

•Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization — completed and signed (filed online or by mail)
•Two identical passport-style photographs (2x2 inches) taken within the last 30 days
•Copy of your current or most recent EAD card (front and back)
•Copy of your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record showing refugee admission
•Copy of your refugee travel document or I-590 approval letter if available
•Copy of a government-issued photo ID (state ID, driver's license, or passport)
•If filing by mail: a copy of your Social Security card (if previously issued)
•If your name has changed since your last EAD: legal name change documentation (marriage certificate, court order)
•Filing fee: $0 — refugee EAD renewal applications are fee-exempt under category (a)(3)

Filing Form I-765 for Refugee EAD Renewal

The I-765 filing process for refugee EAD renewal involves specific steps and category codes that must be completed correctly.

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Step 1: Determine Your Filing Category
Select category (a)(3) on Form I-765 if you are renewing based on refugee status. If you have a pending I-485, you may alternatively file under category (c)(9). Category (a)(3) is fee-exempt while (c)(9) requires the standard filing fee. Most refugees choose (a)(3) to avoid fees.
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Step 2: Complete Form I-765 Online or on Paper
USCIS accepts online filing through your myUSCIS account or paper filing by mail. Online filing is recommended because it provides instant receipt confirmation, faster processing, and the ability to track your case status in real time. When completing the form, ensure your name matches exactly as it appears on your I-94 and previous EAD.
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Step 3: Upload or Mail Supporting Documents
For online filing, upload scanned copies of all required documents in PDF or JPEG format. For paper filing, mail photocopies (not originals) of all documents with the I-765 form to the USCIS lockbox address specified in the I-765 instructions for category (a)(3). Include two passport photos with your name and A-number written lightly in pencil on the back.
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Step 4: Receive Receipt Notice (I-797C)
USCIS issues a receipt notice within 1 to 3 weeks of receiving your application. This notice contains your receipt number for tracking and, critically, serves as proof that your EAD renewal is pending. Keep this notice with your expiring EAD to show employers as evidence of your automatic 180-day extension.
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Step 5: Complete Biometrics Appointment (If Required)
USCIS may schedule a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC). The nearest ASC to Glendale is in Los Angeles. Not all renewal applicants require biometrics — USCIS may reuse existing biometrics on file. If scheduled, attend the appointment with your appointment notice, photo ID, and current EAD.
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Step 6: Receive New EAD Card
Upon approval, USCIS mails the new EAD card to the address on your application. The new card is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. Update your employer with the new EAD information and file a new I-9 form or Section 3 reverification as required.

Processing Timeline for Refugee EAD Renewals

Processing times for refugee EAD renewals vary based on USCIS workload and the service center handling your case. Current timelines as of early 2026:

Processing Stage	Estimated Timeline	Notes
Receipt Notice	1-3 weeks	Triggers automatic 180-day extension
Biometrics (if required)	2-4 weeks after receipt	Not always required for renewals
Case Processing	3-8 months	Varies by service center
Card Production	1-2 weeks after approval	Mailed via USPS
Total Timeline	3-10 months	File 120-180 days before expiration
Automatic Extension	180 days from EAD expiration	With timely-filed renewal pending

Automatic 180-Day EAD Extension: Protecting Your Work Authorization

One of the most important protections for refugee EAD holders is the automatic 180-day extension rule. Under 8 CFR 274a.13(d), if you file a timely renewal application (before your current EAD expires), your work authorization is automatically extended for 180 days from the expiration date on your current EAD card.

This automatic extension applies specifically to category (a)(3) refugee EADs and prevents gaps in employment authorization while USCIS processes your renewal. To benefit from this protection, you must file the renewal application before your current EAD expires — filing after expiration does not trigger the automatic extension.

To prove the automatic extension to your employer, present three documents together: your expired EAD card, the I-797C receipt notice showing the pending renewal application with category (a)(3), and the Federal Register notice or USCIS guidance confirming the automatic extension rule. Employers are legally required to accept this combination as proof of continued work authorization.

If USCIS does not approve your renewal within the 180-day extension period, your work authorization will lapse until the new EAD is issued. To minimize this risk, file your renewal application 120 to 180 days before your current EAD expires. This gives USCIS maximum processing time within the automatic extension window.

As of October 2023, USCIS expanded the automatic extension to 540 days for certain EAD categories. Verify the current extension period at the time of your filing, as this regulation is subject to change.

•File renewal before your EAD expires to trigger the automatic extension
•The extension runs 180 days from your EAD expiration date (not the filing date)
•Present your expired EAD + I-797C receipt notice to employers as proof of extension
•Filing after expiration does NOT trigger the automatic extension — file early
•The automatic extension applies only if the renewal is in the same EAD category
•Check USCIS.gov for current automatic extension duration — rules have changed recently

Timeline and Costs for Refugee EAD Renewal

Refugee EAD renewals are fee-exempt, making this one of the most affordable immigration filings. Here is a complete cost breakdown for Glendale refugee families:

Item	Cost	Notes
I-765 Filing Fee	$0	Fee-exempt for category (a)(3) refugees
Biometrics Fee	$0	Fee-exempt for refugees
Passport Photos	$10-$15	CVS, Walgreens, or USPS photo services
Copies of Documents	$5-$15	Photocopies of EAD, I-94, photo ID
Certified Mail (if filing by mail)	$7-$10	Recommended for tracking purposes
Attorney/Accredited Rep Fee	$200-$800	Optional but recommended to avoid errors
Total Out-of-Pocket	$15-$840	Government fees are $0 for refugees

Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services in Glendale

Refugee families in Glendale choose our team for EAD renewal services because we understand the urgency of maintaining work authorization:

•Arabic-speaking staff who understand the refugee experience and communicate in your language
•Fee-exempt filing assistance — we help you take advantage of the $0 government filing fee for refugee EADs
•Timely filing strategy to ensure you never lose the automatic 180-day extension protection
•Experience with Iraqi, Syrian, Lebanese, Yemeni, and other Arab refugee EAD renewals
•Employer communication support — we provide letters explaining the automatic extension to your employer
•Assistance with related refugee benefits including I-485 adjustment of status and refugee travel documents
•Serving Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Los Angeles, and all of the greater LA area
•Free initial consultation to review your EAD expiration date and plan your renewal timeline

Contact SoCal Immigration Services

For refugee EAD renewal services in Glendale, contact SoCal Immigration Services today. Call (714) 421-8872 to schedule a free consultation with our Arabic-speaking team. We help refugee families in Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Los Angeles, and all of Southern California maintain continuous work authorization through timely EAD renewal filings. Do not wait until your EAD expires — contact us today to protect your employment.

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Is there a fee to renew a refugee EAD?

A: No. Refugee EAD renewals filed under category (a)(3) are completely fee-exempt. You do not pay the I-765 filing fee or the biometrics fee. This fee exemption applies to principal refugees and derivative family members. The only costs are for photographs, document copies, and optional legal assistance.

Q:How early can I file my refugee EAD renewal?

A: You can file your refugee EAD renewal up to 180 days before the expiration date on your current EAD card. We recommend filing 120 to 180 days early to maximize processing time within the automatic extension window and prevent any gaps in work authorization.

Q:What happens if my EAD expires before the new one arrives?

A: If you filed your renewal before the expiration date, the automatic 180-day extension protects your work authorization. Present your expired EAD and the I-797C receipt notice to your employer as proof. If you did not file before expiration, you cannot legally work until the new EAD is issued.

Q:Can I travel while my refugee EAD renewal is pending?

A: The EAD and travel authorization are separate. As a refugee, you need a Refugee Travel Document (Form I-131) to travel internationally. Your pending EAD renewal does not affect travel eligibility, but traveling outside the U.S. without a valid refugee travel document may jeopardize your status. Apply for a refugee travel document separately.

Q:Do I still need an EAD after I file for adjustment of status (I-485)?

A: Yes, you need a valid EAD to prove work authorization to employers until you receive your green card. When you file I-485 as a refugee, you can request an EAD under category (c)(9) which is also fee-exempt when filed with I-485. Many refugees maintain their (a)(3) EAD as a backup.

Q:What if I lost my current EAD card?

A: If your EAD card is lost, stolen, or damaged, file Form I-765 for a replacement card (not a renewal). Check the 'replacement' box on the form. You will need to explain the circumstances in a written statement. The replacement application is also fee-exempt for refugees under category (a)(3).

Q:Can my employer fire me because my EAD is expired while renewal is pending?

A: No. If you filed a timely renewal and provided your employer with the expired EAD and I-797C receipt notice, the automatic 180-day extension makes your work authorization valid. An employer who terminates you based on a valid automatic extension may violate anti-discrimination provisions of the INA. Document everything and contact an immigration attorney if this occurs.

Q:How do I check the status of my EAD renewal application?

A: You can check your case status online at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus using the receipt number on your I-797C notice. If you filed online through myUSCIS, log into your account for real-time updates. Processing times by service center are available at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. If your case exceeds normal processing time, you can submit an inquiry through the USCIS Contact Center.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Glendale and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: February 22, 2026Last Updated: February 22, 2026

Renew Your Refugee EAD Today

Our Arabic-speaking team in Glendale ensures refugee families maintain continuous work authorization through timely and accurate EAD renewal filings.

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