On September 19, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security released an update from the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman regarding procedures for contacting CIS about Employment Authorization Document (EAD) processing delays. An EAD card authorizes an alien to work for any employer in the U.S. for a period of time, usually one year. EADs are sometimes called work permits and can be filed based of pending adjustment of status applications, for OPT programs, for J-2 holders, and other reasons.

According to law, USCIS should adjudicate applications for EADs within 90 days of receiving the application. This means that the USCIS has 90 days to approve, deny or request more information for an EAD application.

In the update, the CIS offers some suggestions for EAD applicants whose applications have been pending for more than 90 days.

The CIS recommends that you first call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283. Make sure to record the name and number of the customer service representative as well as the time and date of your call. In order to facilitate your call, you should have your receipt notice and personal information such as A number ready.

Once you place your call, you should explain that your EAD application has been pending for more than 90 days ask the customer service representative to place a “service request” with the service center where your case was filed. Additionally, you can request an interim card. According to the update, you should receive an interim EAD or a response to your request within one week.

Alternatively, you can schedule an INFOPASS appointment to visit a local USCIS office. You can place an appointment using the USCIS website at http://www.inforpass.uscis.gov. At the appointment, you can ask to apply for an interim EAD card. The local offices will be able to review your case and eligibility; however, local offices will no long issue interim EADs. Instead your request will be forwarded to a USCIS service center, and you should receive a response or an interim EAD within one week.

If you still have not received your EAD or an interim card after trying both methods listed above, you should email the CIS Ombudsman office and describe your case and your past contact attempts. In your email, you should include the date and time of your call to customer service or visit to a local office, as well as the name and number of the customer service representative who you spoke to. The CIS Ombudsman office can be reached at cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov.