An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a card issued by the U.S. government that allows non-citizens to work legally in the United States. It is typically granted to individuals with specific immigration statuses, such as those with pending applications for permanent residency or certain visa holders. The EAD specifies the validity period during which the holder can work. To obtain an EAD, applicants must submit Form I-765 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with supporting documents. Once approved, the EAD serves as proof of the holder's eligibility to work for any employer in the U.S. during the specified time frame.