Most times, when someone refers to a “work visa’, the employer or candidate is usually referring to a specific letter based classification (e.g., H-1B, L-1A, E-2, etc.). Most times, these work visas requires the employee to have a sponsor/employee relationship. An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a work authorization card that is issued because the candidate meets certain requirements. For example, a F-1 student who graduates from a university in the U.S. is often permitted Optional Practical Training (OPT) status, which is presented on an EAD card. Differently, a person who has married a U.S. citizen and has applied for adjustment of status is usually allowed to receive an EAD. The cards look the same but the issuing regulation is different. Typically, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues the work visa and EAD. Most EADs are valid for one year. EAD identity cards are usually plastic laminated and include the visa holder’s name, photo and document expiration date.