Is EAD dependent on I94 Card?

Question

I have an EAD and while applying for EAD card , they have asked my I94 card number. Now i am leaving US for a short term and when i reenter i wil be receving a new I 94 card. Now is my EAD dependent on my I 94 card?

Answer 1

The eligibility for an EAD card can depend upon the status endorsed on the I-94 form. In 8 CFR 274a.12(c) you will find a list of aliens who must apply for work authorization. For example, a nonimmigrant student seeking employment for practical training needs an EAD card.

On the other hand, for someone with an I-94 endorsed with a classification that authorizes employment incident to status, such as an H-1B, there is no need for an EAD. Some people can work without an EAD. For them, it's the I-94 that authorizes employment.

Remember, the EAD card is only for employment authorization, and it does not act as a travel document or take the place of a visa. It will not get you back into the U.S.

You still need a valid visa and passport to re-enter. To receive a new I-94, your visa and passport need to be valid, and you need to qualify for the status you are seeking.

The EAD card will not help you to receive a new I-94 if your other documents are not valid.

Answer 2

No, it does not depend on your I-94.

- Initially they have asked for your I-94, might be to check your legal status and entry to the United States.

- You can easily leave US and re-enter and work on the same EAD.

If you still have consusion you can ask to the  DHS office on their help line.