Can I renew my EAD if my green card has not been issued yet?

Yes. You can renew your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) even before your green card is issued, while your permanent residency petition through EB-2 NIW is still pending.

The EAD is the document that authorizes you to work legally in the United States during the process. Renewing it on time is what ensures the continuity of your work authorization, without a gap between one document and the next.

Since processing times can vary, the practical recommendation is to start the renewal well in advance rather than waiting until the expiration date approaches. This reduces the risk of being temporarily without work authorization while you wait for the green card.

Each case has its own circumstances and rules can change, so it is worth confirming the current requirements and procedure with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) or a trusted specialist before filing.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.