How do I get an EAD while waiting on my asylum decision?

I agree with my colleague on timing and form. One practical pitfall: USCIS routinely misses the 30-day deadline for issuing EAD. If you filed I-765 (c)(8) and 30 days after the 150-day mark have passed with no EAD, file a service request — and if that doesn't work, mandamus in federal court is realistic relief.

Also: the first EAD for an asylum applicant is now valid for 2 years (the rule changed in 2022 from 1 year). When renewing, file 6 months before expiration to get the AC21 540-day automatic extension.